MODESTO CITY SCHOOLS COURSE OUTLINE

Transcription

1 MODESTO CITY SCHOOLS COURSE OUTLINE COURSE TITLE: Computer Applications COURSE NUMBER: RECOMMENDED GRADE LEVEL: 7-8 DURATION: 1 Semesters CREDIT: REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION: No CBEDS CODE: CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: REPLACES: Course Description: This is an exploratory survey course designed to give students a broad exposure to current and emerging computer applications. In this class, all students have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of computer based activities and reinforce their learning by creating a number of hands-on projects. Additionally, students will become acquainted with the career options that correspond to each area of study. This program strongly reinforces academic core classes in science, math, social science and language arts. The exploratory program seeks to meet the needs of students at all levels by providing them with many positive learning experiences. The activities in this Computer Applications course are focused on the implementation of computers in the areas of Computer Graphics and Animation, Internet Technology, Biotechnology, Career Research, Information Technology, Electricity and Electronics, Flight Technology, Screen Printing and Structural Technology. Recommended Prerequisites: None Date Aligned with State Standards: Board Approved: REQUIRED TEXTBOOK (Title, publisher, year): INTRODUCTION TO TECHNOLOGY, Alan J. Pierce & Dennis Karwatka, Glencoe-McGraw Hill, 2005

2 SUMMARY OF MAJOR UNITS OF INSTRUCTION 7 th and 8 th Grade Units: Approximate Length of Instruction for Each Unit (Days) Introduction/Orientation Computer Graphics and Animation Internet Technology Biotechnology Career Research Information Technology Electricity and Electronics Flight Technology Screen Printing Structural Technology 10

3 SUPPLEMENTARY TEXT(S): None INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Hp Compaq computers Microsoft Office software Network Hp Printer Blood pressure cuff Skin fold caliper Instapulse meter Stationary bicycle Career encyclopedias Occupational Outlook Handbook Electronic training kits 9V Batteries AA Batteries Aircraft of the World Book Air compressed Rocket Launcher Water based paint Paint brushes Glue sticks Screen printing screens Plastic screen printing frames Squeegees Spatulas WPI fabric paint ¼ x ¼ balsa wood White glue Masking Tape Pins Wax paper White boards Scissors Colored Markers Consumable printed worksheets Card stock printed rocket design sheets

4 EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT LEARNING The computer application program is based on a modular delivery system. The modular system encourages the students to become responsible for their own learning. The teacher takes on the role of a learning facilitator. Students work in pairs, using a set of self-directed instructions that guide the students through the learning activities. Students rotate from one module to the next every ten days. Students work with a partner in preparation for life by learning to work with other students. Peer assistance is encouraged. The modular system is cost effective because all equipment is used on a continual basis. COURSE OUTLINE FOR COMPUTER APPLICATIONS 1. Computer Graphics & Animation This module utilizes a computer, printer, the Internet along with software that allows students to experience how digital movie animation is done and how still digital pictures and photographs can be manipulated by a computer applications. 2. Internet Technology: Students will learn to use the Internet to explore areas to learn how to effectively search for factual information that will assist them in this and other core classes. Internet safety practices are emphasized. The student will learn to distinguish between fact based websites and opinion/persuasive based websites. Students will explore academic sites to collect information during Web Quests and Electronic Scavenger hunts that reinforce core areas of math, science, language arts and social science. 3. Biotechnology In this module the student will learn how computers and technology are being used to learn about the human body. The student will use various software programs that teach about the human anatomy, the heart, and how blood pressure is taken and read. An exercise bike and blood pressure cuff will be used in conjunction with the computer to understand the difference in blood pressure at rest and then following exercise. The student will also learn how to use a Instapulse heart rate meter Throughout the module, students will be describing observations of experiments to not only learn how to use the equipment, but to understand what normal and average readings are and to understand the relationship between good health, diet, and exercise. 4. Career Research This module is designed for students to learn more about themselves in regards to their own personal values, interests, educational, and career goals. This will be done using a computer, printer, software programs, the Internet, and library materials. Students will then explore various career fields that interest them by using several means online career encyclopedias, books and magazines, computer based interest inventory, and interactive computer DVD s. The main purpose of this module is for students to begin thinking about their own personal career goals and what training and education is needed to achieve that goal.

5 5. Information Technology Students will use various software programs to create business oriented documents and projects. Additionally, students will learn how to design and create simple movies using an animation program, edit digital pictures and incorporate them into their own personal autobiography. Students will learn how to locate and print to a network printer. Students will use the software Publisher to create a newsletter and informational flyers. 6. Electricity & Electronics At this module you will learn the basic concepts concerning electricity and electronics. Using computer based programs, interactive computer CD s, and experimenter boards, students will create model experiments that reinforce the basic concepts of electronics. Students will also be introduced to fundamental electronic components, their function and how they are used in the creation of computers and other electronic devices. 7. Flight Technology The major project focus of this module is to build an air compressed rocket that is aerodynamically sound. Students learn the basic physics of flight and will also learn about the history of rocketry and flight. A computer based flight simulation application will reinforce and apply student learning to an virtual flight situation. 8. Screen-Printing The main purpose of this module is to introduce and teach students the history and basic techniques of screen-printing. Students will be using several different digital computer programs to create a design and manipulate digital images that will be transferred during a thermal process to a screen, then the applied to a T-shirt. 9. Structural Technology Students will learn how to design and build basic structures as trusses and bridges. The students final project will be to build a bridge. Students will explore the history and development of construction technique using several different computer based programs. Students will use several online sources to learn about modern techniques of structure, bridge and dam building.

6 MODESTO CITY SCHOOLS TEXTBOOK ADOPTION NAME OF BOOK: AUTHOR(S): PUBLISHER: Introduction To Technology Alan J. Pierce & Dennis Karwatka Glencoe McGraw Hill COPYRIGHT DATE: 2005 ISBN #: PRICE: $39.95 DEPARTMENT: CLASS: Elective Computer Applications GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Introduction to Technology helps students understand and work with technology. The seven units of the book cover: The Nature of Technology-Why We Study Technology; Engineering, Design, Communication, Biotechnology, Manufacturing, Construction and Transportation. Each unit contains education and hands-on projects to reinforce concepts. ASSURANCE OF SOCIAL APPROPRIATENESS: The selection committee has determined that the materials comply with the State of California Standards for Evaluation of Instructional Materials with Respect to Social Content. APPROVED BY: Red Balfour & Rodney Owen Selection Committee: Suzy Montrie-Robinson and Julie Myers Rodney L. Owen, Director Alternative & Vocational Education Director, Linda Erickson, Director Curriculum & Staff Development, 7-12