BELOW YOU WILL FIND INFORMATION ABOUT THE TECH ED PROJECTS THAT 7TH GRADE STUDENTS ARE WORKING ON THIS YEAR. CLICK THE BLACK BOX WITH THE ARROW NEAR EACH PROJECT TO SEE A RUBRIC OR SAMPLE FOR THAT PROJECT.
7TH GRADE
PAST PROJECTS
FIRST QUARTER
FIRST QUARTER
DOSSIERS
At the begining of of the semester students were asked to share some information about themseleves. This information was then formatted into a dossier (a file of information) about the student that could be accessed at a glance. Inside this dossier, student turn in any physical work that they create throughout the year, such as sketches, worksheets, and print out images.
EMBLEM DESIGN
After students were organized into groups, they were asked to name thier group. From whatever name they came up with, groups made a list of imagry associated with the name. Each student then sketched 3 different concepts for what an emblem (or logo) might look like. These sketches were then refined and elaborated on using the creative copyright website thenounproject.com (a search engine for symbols) and a 2D design program called pixlr.com (basically a free online version of photoshop).
TOOL IDENTIFICATION & USE
Through discussion, direct observation and sketching, students learned the names and uses for 50 different Hand tools used for manipulating wood, metal, and other materials. They then used an online website called quizlet.com to study and test thier knowledge of the tools. Click the black box with the arrow in it to see a randomly generated sample of the test.
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SECOND QUARTER
3D MODELING REVIEW
3D modeling is fast becoming a highly in demand job skill in many industries. 3D models can be printed on a 3D printer, used in virtual renderings for architecture or product design and make up the vast expanses of many video games. It is even become a great tool for traditional fields like woodworking. 7th grade students had used the 3D Modeling program Autodesk Inventor last year, so we reviewed some of the functions of the program and then students had the opportunity to do an exercise to help brush away the cobwebs of the summer. Each student looked at an image of a TARDIS (the spaceship/time machine from the T.V. show Dr. Who) and attempted to rebuild it. Projects were graded on effort and if each part of the model had been demensioned (an essential step in making acurate 3D models). Click the black box with the arrow in it to watch a short video that demonstaites the demensioning of a 3D model.
ORTHOGRAPHIC DRAWINGS
& STORAGE SOLUTIONS
One of the major issues with the main Tech Ed classroom is a lack of space. Students come in with heeps of books, folders, and chrome books and often have no where to put them. The problem is compounded by the tables we have being taken up by laptops. So rather than simply whine and complain, the 7th grade class has been asked to step up and find a solution for this real world problem. Each student needed to do measurements of the available space and design a storage unit that housed all of the materials for two tables worth of students in the Tech Ed classroom (8 people's books/materials + 24 dossiers, and optionally computers). This process started with creating orthographic drawings (a 2d drawing of each side, and a 3d version of the unit) including measurements. You can click the first black box with the arrow in it to see a simple example of orthographic drawings. Students then had to convert this set of drawings into a 3d model of their storage solution using Autodesk Inventor. Once the basic model was complete, students were asked to texture it, and eventually render the model with realistic lighting. Rubrics for how the storage solution was graded can be found by clicking on the second and tird black boxes with the arrows in them.
THIRD QUARTER
Storage Unit Renderings
Students need to use their 3d Models from last semester to create a rendering (or virtual photograph). The rendering must include a background of the classroom and be oriented so you can see where objects to be stored would go. It should also be in a perspective view, have believable shadows, reflections and lighting. Lastly, the 3d model should have 8 large divided spaces for students to put their materials and 24 small slots for dossiers (or student files). The final image will simulate what the storage solution might look like in the actual classroom space. Click the black box with the arrow in it to see a rubric for how the project was assessed.
Videogame Design
7th grade students are exploring the exciting world of videogame design this quarter. This builds on their previous knowledge of working in a 3D environment and constructing virtual models. The software they will be using is called Unity, and it is free and open source. With Unity, students will learn how to set up and create structures and environments that can be interacted with virtually. The skills that students will learn during this project are related to a number of professional fields, including art, film, product design, architecture, computer science, virtual reality, and obviously videogame design. Click the first black square with the arrow in it to go to the resources page where you can download unity and watch tutorials. Click the Second black square with the arrow in it to go to the gallery page and see screen shots of the virtual worlds that students are creating.
CURRENT / FUTURE PROJECTS
MORE COMING SOON!
7th Grade students will be using a variety of different types of wood to create storage units to be used in their classroom. This project incorporates the use of measurement, hammers, saws, drills, screw drivers, glue, and various other tools. These pieces of furniture have been designed by both the students and the instructor. They are meant to hold the materials that students bring into class, as well as materials for class, such as student files, laptops, and chargers. Many things, including minimizing the physical footprint of the storage units must be kept in mind.
The End goal of the project is to keep materials off of the desks and the floor while students are working to make the classroom a more user friendly and efficient workspace.
Storage Construction
