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GATEWAYS
Facilitated by: Mr. Smolen and Mrs. DiGiacomo2020 - 2021
GATEWAYS
What is Gateways?
Gateways is a STEM-based program that was created in 2007 to satisfy the desires of students that wanted to learn more through inquiry and hands-on activities.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These topics are integrated throughout what we learn all year long.
What is “STEM” Education?
(STEM) education is: The creative and innovative
engagement of students Contextual, project- and
problem-based learning Requires the integration &
application of science, technology, engineering, & mathematics knowledge and skills
Produces solutions to predictable and unpredictable real-world problems
Current Research
Between 2017 and 2027, the number of STEM jobs will grow 13 percent, compared to 9 percent for non-STEM jobs—with positions in computing, engineering, and advanced manufacturing leading the way. (Via Change the Equation)
Out of 100 STEM occupations, 93% of them had wages above the national average. The national average for STEM job annual salaries is $87,570, where the national average for non-STEM occupations sits at roughly half—$45,700. (Via the Bureau of Labor Statistics)
How Does Gateways Work?
Approximately 40 incoming 8th grade students (20 boys/20 girls) will be assigned.
Math and elective periods will be taught outside of the Gateways classroom.
Remaining class periods spent in our classroom investigating topics within the core curriculum. No separate LA, science, or social studies classes.
Differentiated to meet all learning needs with support from the Special Education Department, English Language Development Department, and the Gifted Learners Department.
CourseStructure
Graded Self-contained Team-taught Differentiated Hands-on &
inquiry-based Empowering
Gateways Comparison◼ How it’s the same
– Change classes– 2 elective periods daily– All Math Levels– Grades
◼ How it’s different– Provides ability to make
connections between curriculum within all classes
– Opportunity to direct your own learning
– Greater use of cooperative and group learning
– Greater integration of technology
– Relevant field trips to connect what you have learned to the world
– Student-led Conferences (Nov.)
Tools
Tool Shed Bandsaw Drills
Screwdrivers And many more!
PVC pipe Heat guns
Soldering iron
Wires, motors, and batteries
Circuits Dial Calipers Hot glue guns
Paint
Technology
iPads iMovie Quizizz
Apple Clips Kahoot! Notability Flipgrid Nearpod
Amplify And many more!
Snap Circuits
Laptops Whitebox
CAD - SketchUp
Code.org
Robotics ROBOTC Building materials
Coding software
Challenges/Labs
Building Challenges
Rube Goldberg Foot Prosthesis Roller Coaster Lab
Building Catapults Green Cars Robotics
Differentiated Science Curriculum
Students have the choice to work through: Interactive Notebook (teacher-led) Online, independent learning (using CK12)
Everyone participates in: Projects Labs Vocab Quizzes Writing pieces Apps/Technology Blog Posts
Writing in All Content Areas
Some examples include: daVinci Notebook Independent Research Projects Energy source essay Constitutional debates Element Website Technology Children’s Book Future City Essay Seaperch Engineering Notebook STEM Museum Exhibit
Humanities Integration
How We Got to Now The Science of Leonardo Electric Universe Sci-fi Lit Circles Short Story Unit The Giver To Kill a Mockingbird FutureHype
Field Trips
Franklin Institute Constitution Center Independence Hall
Liberty Bell Eastern Planetarium Engineering Firm (Future City)
Cheering on our Seaperch team Singh Center for Nanotechnology Chemical Heritage Foundation
Open to any NEW experiences!
A Historical Approach
The year will be divided into two halves where biographical studies of influential scientists will provide the framework for the core content.
September – January
Leonardo DaVinci
Galileo Galilei
Sir Isaac NewtonBenjamin Franklin
February– June
Marie CurieThomas Edison/Nikola Tesla
Albert Einstein
Bill Gates/Steve Jobs
Prominent Themes
Identifying societal needs met by technology and innovation
Innovation’s effect on society Exchanging of ideas Turning “I think” into “I know because” Scientific method/engineering design process
Leonardo daVinci
Italian Renaissance Scientific Method Unit PLTW: Medical Detectives Energy Unit Jigsaw Ch. 1-4 of SS PLTW: Design and Modeling Sketching & Technical Drawing Computer Aided Design Siege Machines First Differentiated Novel Poetry Unit with Harlem Renaissance theme Introduce Future City/IRP
We will start the year exploring the genius of Leonardo daVinci and the art of inquiry-based learning.
Galileo
Early Space Exploration PLTW: Science of Flight Whitebox Gliders Light and Sound Waves Thermal Energy Myths and Legends SS French and Indian War Tech Current Event Eastern Planetarium
We will explore the controversial Galileo and his observations of “the heavens”.
Sir Isaac Newton
Force and Motion Simple Machines Roller Coaster Lab Rube Goldberg Devices Egg Drop Engineering Internship The Giver Future City Competition Franklin Institute -> Newton’s Loft
We will explore the physics findings of Sir Isaac Newton.
Benjamin Franklin
Declaration of Independence Revolutionary War Ben Franklin Museum American Revolution Museum Independence Hall Science Fiction Lit Circles IRP Presentations
We will explore the impact of Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin.
Marie Curie
Phase Change Atoms Chemical Reactions Element Website Chemical Heritage Foundation 12 Angry Men
We will explore the accomplishments of the ground-breaking scientist, Marie Curie.
Thomas Edison/Nikola Tesla
Inventions, Patents, & The Law Electricity Unit Snap Circuits PLTW: The Power of Electrons Electric Universe Short Stories—science fiction elements Seaperch
We will explore Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla and illustrate how their persistence made them famous.
Albert Einstein
To Kill a Mockingbird Character Psychoanalysis Constitution and Bill of Rights Constitution Center and Liberty Bell Constitutional Debates Video Current Event
We will learn about the 20th century’s most famous scientist, Albert Einstein.
Bill Gates/Steve Jobs
PLTW: Automation and Robotics Coding Technology Children’s Book Current Event—STEM Careers Present 2nd IRP Future Hype PLTW: Science of Technology Nanotechnology Singh Center for Nanotechnology SS Ch. 11-19 Jigsaw Final Project – Gateways Museum
We will learn about current technology gurus, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.
Independent Research Projects
Semester-long project
Research ANY TOPIC that interests you Must make an argument Research paper using sources to back up your argument
Present your findings to your classmates including interactive learning experiences
Create a research posterto share your results withthe RMS community
Independent Research Projects
Examples of topics:
Amazon is destroying small businesses. Standardized testing has more negative effects than positive effects.
Self-driving cars need much more work before becoming available for purchase. GMOs have many positive effects. Germany needs to lead the EU along with Western Asia and North Africa.
The moon landings were not fake. Asian culture has a positive effect on the success of Asian children.
Swimmers are more physically fit than runners. Net neutrality is important for equal Internet access. Parents with Munchausen’s by proxy negatively affect their children.
While the Stanford Prison Study was conducted in an unscientific manner, there is still valid information to learn from the research.
Future Cities
National competition
Planning a city from scratch Civil engineer mentor Multiple components—
Essay Model
Sim Presentation Project plan
Interview for job Prepare a resume
Practice interview questions Participate in an interview with a member of RTSD administration
Seaperch
Underwater robotics competition
Fashioned out of PVC pipe Naval engineer mentor Multiple components
Presentation Engineering notebook
Design of the perch Pool competition
Compete at Regionals at Temple University
Potential to compete at Nationals
With a Little Help from Our Friends
In the last couple of years: REF Grant (2017) to attend Seaperch
Nationals REF Grant (2018) to bring Whitebox
Learning to the Classroom RTSD Curriculum Office (2017-2020)
to allow Gateways teachers to attend new PLTW trainings
Who is Compatible?
EVERYONE
Seek some independence and choice in learning
Strong interest in technology and science inquiry
Enjoy working & learning in groups
Like to explore & “dig deeper” Enjoy getting out of the classroom to
explore real-world applications to the curriculum
Thrive in an environment where much of the learning is “hands-on”
Will My Child Be Prepared for RHS?
Yes!
Well-prepared for the most demanding high school course work and a successful transition to 9th grade
Data has been collected tracking former students’ performance at RHS
Has shown that they have performed as well, if not better than their non-Gateways peers
Skills Learned from the Gateways Classroom
Project planning Personalized challenge in the
form of differentiation Group work Writing in all content areas Engineering software Tool safety
Research projects Applications to the real-world Making personal learning choices Video/movie editing Website creation Wiring motors and circuitry
Reminders
Once your student accepts a spot in Gateways, they will be scheduled in this class for the rest of the year
This course takes the place of 3 core classes, and as a result, will take a similar amount of homework time
This course includes many forms of group work, and students must be open to working toward a goal with anyone
There are many opportunities throughout the year for differentiation, and all of our projects allow students to push themselves to meet individualized goals
Gateways teachers make the same 9th grade recommendations as all other teachers, which allows students to have the opportunity to enter any college prep, advanced, honors, or seminar classes
What’s Next?
Discuss Gateways with your child and decide on acceptance of your child’s spot or decline the invitation
Intention letter should be submitted to the Guidance Office.