Taught by Mr. Acton, this course serves two roles: it is the culmination
of the technology program in the Magnet and it is the beginning
of the
Senior
Research
Project process. As a result we will focus on reinforcing and expanding
on the skills learned during the 9th and 10th grades to prepare
students for independent senior research. Students work in groups
and as individuals
on projects that use their scientific, creative, analytic, and
communication abilities. Many of the skills are academic in nature
(writing skills,
media research, referencing, presentation skills, proposal writing,
etc.), but others are more interpersonal (working with others,
following directions, time management, ethics, etc.).
Major course components:
- Introduction – group dynamics, teamwork,
learning styles, journals
- Engineering Safety Project – small
group design, testing, and building of an original, patentable
safety device; decision
matrices, patent research,
needs assessment, proposal writing, oral presentation, media campaign,
written report
- Ethics – group discussions on scientific
ethics including case studies led by students; analysis, discussion,
presentation
skills
- Historical Research Project – individual paper on scientific
examination of a major historical event; textual research, scientific
history, analysis,
writing skills
- Toshiba Competition Project – small group design
and analysis of a future/emerging technology; current scientific research,
logical
artistic
presentation, creative
application skills
 
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