Business & Technology Education Syllabus Sylvester Middle School, Room # 400 Class Information Web Site: (This site includes all class information and Modules/Projects) http://archive.hsd401.org/ourschools/middleschools/sylvester/bustechsite/ Instructor: Mr. Darrell Chase Phone: 206-631-6051 E-mail: Description of Course & Class Expectations Darrell.Chase@highlineschools.org Welcome to Mr. Chase s Technology Education classroom. This classroom has been designed to give students the opportunity to explore many different areas of Business & Technology. Business & Technology learning stations (modules) have been developed with a self-directed set of instructions for each station. Business & Technology Education is an instructional program that provides students with daily, hands on experiences that enable them to focus on becoming technologically literate, become active problem solvers, explore career opportunities, explore business software and identify the educational avenues in which to pursue their interests. Below is a list of modules that the students are able to choose from to acquire points. Each quarter students will be challenges to obtain 900 points through doing the tasks and assignments in each module. To pass the class with a Satisfactory, a student must acquire 540 points. New students who come into the class after the first week of the course will be assigned modules that will reflect a point value corresponding to the number of weeks they are in the class for that given quarter, approximately 100 points for each week. Repeat students will have some choice of different assignments/task in each module depending on their past experiences in Business & Technology Education. 1 st /3 rd Quarter Business Education 1. General Computer Knowledge & Windows Operating Systems 2. Keyboarding 3. Work, Business & Computer Philosophies & Ethics 4. Graphic Arts/Digital Camera/Scanner/Computer Animation 5. Microsoft PowerPoint: Multimedia Presentations/Communication 6. Microsoft Word: Written Communication 7. Microsoft Publisher: Desktop Publishing/Communication 8. (If Time Allows) Microsoft Excel: Database/Spreadsheet/Graphs 2 nd /4 th Quarter Technology Education 1. Rockets and the science behind them. (Construction, Manufacturing, Physics of motions, Measurement & Math.) Page 1
2. Research & Design in Transportation (Car & Truck Builder, Egg-Crash Test Vehicle, Mouse-Trap Racer, Wind & Solar Power Racers) 3. Research & Design on Structures & Bridges (West Point Bridge Design, Structural Engineering Design, Balsa Wood Truss Bridge Design & Build Challenge) 4. Structural Engineering Of Buildings Design Challenge (Computer-Aided Design (CAD) using 3D Home Architect designing the floor plan of a house and calculating construction costs) 5. Career Cruising (Career Search utilizing CareerCruising.com) 6. Flight/Aviation - Aerospace Technology (Basics of flight & Aerospace Science, Flight simulation with Flight Simulator software, Whirly Bird Design & Build challenge Propeller on a stick) Objectives Of The Class: To provide for academic, technical, and social growth of the students in Business and Technology education. It employs involvement and exploration with computers and Business & Technology tools, machines, materials, and systems. It enables all students to derive meaning from concrete experiences in research and design that result from the integration of business, mathematics, science, humanities, and engineering concepts. Goal #1 To ensure Success for Every Student by providing the services and environment each student needs for intellectual challenge, social and emotional development. Each student will learn to communicate effectively, obtain and use information, solve problems, and engage in active, life-long learning. An integral part of the program of studies in Washington s schools, Business & Technology education is a new but old basic for all students. It is experience-based and involves the application of business, mathematics and science concepts in such technological systems as, but not limited to; business software applications, desktop publishing, communications, construction, manufacturing, communications, transportation, biotechnology, and power and energy. Students work individually and in teams to solve problems related to business and technology - its evolution, systems, techniques, utilization, and social and cultural significance. Students are taught how to utilize, interact, and live in a rapidly changing, highly technological society. Goal #2 To provide exploratory instruction that enables students to make informed and meaningful educational and career choices by developing in each the ability to: 1. Define business applications and technology. 2. Explore business and technology systems. 3. Utilize a problem-solving strategy to solve business and technology-related problems. 4. Develop a positive self image by meeting success in hands-on experiences. Page 2
5. Develop skills in the safe use and operation of computers, basic hand tools, machines, materials, and processes of business and technology. 6. Identify talents, abilities, and interests in business and technological fields. 7. Develop cognitive (mental), psychomotor (physical), and affective (ethical) problem-solving skills by researching and developing, designing, producing, operating, and analyzing business & technology systems. 8. Identify various business and technology-related careers, the opportunities in these fields, and their educational requirements. 9. Appreciate the nature of technology and its impact on the individual, society, and the environment. Evaluation: GRADING PROCEDURE The types of points given are Daily/Weekly leadership/participation points and Module assignment points. The Daily/Weekly leadership/participation points are incorporate into Module/Assignment points. (See Coversheets for each module to see how these points are scored.) Each quarter students will be challenged to reach 900 points through doing the tasks and assignments and showing good leadership and participation in each module. To pass the class with a Satisfactory, a student must acquire 540 points. All assignments or modules have BRIEFS. These briefs include Context Information, Student Objectives, Business and Education Technology, Reading, Writing, Math and Science State Standards, project instructions, and grading rubrics. It is important for students to examine the BRIEFS, especially the rubrics and instructions before starting the assignment or module, so they understand what is required and so there will be no surprises when the assignment/module is graded for points and summative purposes. Daily/Weekly leadership/participation and module points consist of module/unit worksheets, quizzes, class work, special one-day assignments/activities and participation which includes cleanup. This grade is calculated into the points that will be added to each module/unit of study. Module/Unit Of Study points consist of an accumulation of completed daily/weekly activities for each module. A student can receive points on a module even if they do not complete a module. To receive the points the student must turn in a module cover sheet and any work they have done attached to it. The module s total points can be between 100 and 200 points depending on the length of the module, 1 to 2 weeks. Summative GRADING: Letter Grades are calculated using the 100 percent grading scale based out of a total set amount of possible points (900 per quarter). The more projects you can complete, the higher the summative grade will be as one would receive more points. So, doing extra projects will give you extra points. You may receive the following letter grades: U, S, B or A. Page 3
U is an Unsatisfactory grade, you are below Standards, which means you have not completed all the required assignments for the quarter or semester and you will not receive credit for the class. It is anything lower than 60% (540 pts) of the total possible points. S is a Satisfactory grade, you have met Standards, which means you have completed enough required work for the class to receive credit for the quarter or semester. This means that you have received 60-75% (540 pts to 675 pts) of the total possible points. B is an Above Average grade, you are above Standards, which means you have completed assignments beyond what is required, but not quite at the Superior or Excellent level. This means you have completed enough work that you have received 76-88% (676 pts to 792 pts) of the total possible points. A is a Superior or Excellent grade, you are above Standards, which means you have gone way beyond what is required for the class. This means you have completed enough extra work to have received 89% (793+ pts) or higher of the total possible points. MODULES/ASSIGNMENTS: Turning them in! All papers and projects turned in, need to have a cover sheet that includes a proper heading - your full name (first and last), period number, date, and name of assignment (if not already printed on the paper). All class Modules need to be checked off by Mr. Chase in HIS Grade Book. Turn all your module packets/projects/assignments into the IN Box for your period #. Check back with Mr. Chase in a week and make sure your module/project was graded and put in the grade book and is in the OUT Box for your period #. PUT YOUR GRADED MODULES INTO YOUR CLASS PORTFOLIO NOTEBOOK FOR SAFE KEEPING. You are responsible for making sure you get the assignment checked off. It is important to turn in a module/unit packet every two weeks whether you have completed it or not so you can receive a summative progress check/grade (a totaling of points) that reflects your current progress in the class. A special Note: YOU MAY ALWAYS REDO OR COMPLETE ANY PROJECT FOR MORE POINTS. When you return from being absent, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to check with Mr. Chase for your missing assignments or to make up time and the missing work that you missed by being absent from class. Many class assignments can not be made up at home. You may have to and should come in after or before school to make up the assignments if you have been absent from class. Page 4
CLASS EXPECTATIONS: The job of a Sylvester Student in Mr. Chase s class is to THINK and BE RESPONSIBLE! We at Sylvester follow a 3 star guideline in being Proactive For Success! We are respectful, responsible and safe. SINCE IN BEING SUCCESSFUL, WE ARE RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE & SAFE; WE DO THIS (or define this) BY BEING THESE 5 P s : POLITE o Respect yourself and others. Show respect and courtesy for others property, space, feelings, and right to learn at all times. o Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Respect a person s space and stuff. If you see something not right in the room or something not in its place, please let Mr. Chase know. o Remain quiet (level 0) when others are talking to the class. Keep your voice down during class discussions (level 1-2). When the teacher asks for your attention, show attention by keeping your eyes on him and your mouth closed (level 0). o Students are not allowed to have food or pop in class. No Gum in class, please! It hurts computers and people. o Be willing to help others during appropriate times! But, keep your voice down when you are helping others. PRODUCTIVE o Listen and follow the instructions the first time given. Always give attention to the person speaking, whether it is the teacher or another student who has the floor. o When the teacher asks for your attention, show attention by keeping your eyes on him and your mouth closed (level 0). o Always ask two other people your questions first, (using level 1 voice) before you ask the teacher or his aides (Tech 2 students), unless there is an emergency. Don t be afraid to ask questions! o Use class time wisely, get your work done and participate in class discussions! If there is homework, do it well, and on time! PROMPT o Enter the room quietly. Get your folder. Prepare your materials. Check out materials. o When the tardy bell rings, go to your seat immediately and be quiet (level 0) so Mr. Chase can take attendance and let you access the computers and your projects more promptly. Also, be in your seat at the end of the period so Mr. Chase can promptly dismiss you. Page 5
o After attendance and any opening statements from Mr. Chase, begin work when told to do so. o During the last 5 minutes of class there will be a clean up time. Clean up the classroom when told to do so and then be seated so you can be dismissed on time. (See the Clean Up Instruction posters, posted around the classroom, for more instructions on cleaning up the classroom.) PREPARED o As you come into class prepare yourself for Business and Technology Education. Get your notebook. Prepare your materials. Check the daily assignment calendar. Write down assignments on plan sheets. Check out materials. o Bring all required materials to class each day: your own USB stick, school note book, school planner, class handouts, paper, and sharpened pencil(s) with eraser or pen. Have pencil sharpened before bell rings. o Have planner and/or plan sheet ready to be filled out as soon as the bell rings. Write the daily Content Objective or daily plan on the appropriate plan pages. POSITIVE o Feel free to enjoy and talk about computers and technology. Ask questions! o Do your best! Give your best effort! Try, Try, Try Don t give up! o NO FEAR! Teach Mr. Chase something he doesn t know about computers, business and technology. o Entering The Classroom: Enter the room quietly. Get your folder. Prepare your materials. Fill out your daily plan sheet or planner with the daily Content Objectives or daily activities found on the classroom s Weekly Planning Calendar. When the tardy bell rings, go to your seat immediately and be quiet so Mr. Chase can take attendance and let you access the computers and your projects more promptly. When You Are Tardy: If you are not in the room when the tardy bell rings, determine whether you are excused tardy or unexcused tardy. If you have a note from another Page 6
teacher or staff member or parent or have permission from Mr. Chase to be tardy, then you are excused. If you do not have a note or permission from Mr. Chase, you are unexcused. If you are excused, check in with Mr. Chase & give him your note. If you are un-excused, sign in the Un-excused Tardy Notebook under your name (one entry per student), and then quietly have a seat if Mr. Chase is talking. After Mr. Chase is done talking to the class or if Mr. Chase is not talking make sure you check in with him as well so you are not marked absent. Attention Signal/Coming To Attention: When Mr. Chase says: Can I have your attention please? You need to go to a level 0 voice and give him attention by looking at him. See the voice level chart on the wall in the classroom for a definition of each voice level. Show attention by keeping your eyes on him and your mouth closed. End Of Period Class Dismissal: When the class is cleaned properly, be seated so you can be dismissed on time by Mr. Chase. The Tech 2 students will be inspecting the classroom to see if all clean up was done properly. The bell does not dismiss you, the teacher does! When you are absent: When you return from being absent, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to check with Mr. Chase for your missing assignments or to make up time and the missing work that you missed by being absent from class. Many class assignments can not be made up at home. You may have to and should come in after or before school to make up the assignments if you have been absent from class. Checking Out Classroom Materials: When you need to check out head phones, DVD s, CD s, cameras, glue, scissors, Legos, balsa wood, tools, sandpaper, etc. You need to go to the check out clipboards, located at the checkout counters. You must put down on the checkout list: your full name, what you re checking out, what class period you are in, the time you check it out; and when you return it, the time you checked it back in. Ask a Tech 2 student or Mr. Chase politely to find and give you the material you are checking out. Hall Passes: If you need to leave the classroom it is up to Mr. Chase. If he okays it, you will give him your planner (page 14) where he will sign so you may leave the class. He will then give you a pass and you will also need to sign out on the Hall Use clip board before you leave and when you return. Office passes will be given to the student on official office passes; you may need to also sign out an in on the Hall Use (out of class) checkout clipboard. Always check with Mr. Chase if you are leaving his classroom for any reason. Page 7
When You Finish Early: Ask permission to use the computer for something else, to do another project, to do homework from other classes, or take your reading book out and read. If You Have A Question: Always ask quietly two other people your questions first, before you ask the teacher or his Student Tech 2, unless of course there is an emergency. Don t be afraid to ask questions! AND always STOP Mr. CHASE s instructions/ teaching if you don t understand what he is asking you to do or if he is teaching to fast. If you need to ask a question from the teacher or Student Techs, raise your hand and a Student Tech or Mr. Chase will come to you. Use class time wisely and participate with the daily activities and discussions! This will insure more project points. Listen and follow the instructions the first time given. Always give attention to the person speaking, whether it is the teacher or another student who has the floor. Visitors/Guest Teachers In Room: Treat them with respect as if they are Mr. Chase. All the same expectations apply. If you choose to not follow these instructions, you will be spending time with Mr. Chase after school and your parents will be contacted. The Student Tech s will take care of all computer questions. Gum: None in room! Discard it into the trash when you enter the room. Heading Of Projects & Turning in Papers and Modules: All papers and projects turned in should be attached to the corresponding Module Coversheet that represents those papers or assignment. It is recommended that each paper attached will be headed with your full name (first and last), class name, period number, date, name of assignment if not already on the paper. Remember, they must be attached to a module cover sheet. The module coversheet should be filled out completely and stapled to the top of all papers that are being turned in for that module. Page 8