Teaching K-8 Technology is an interesting opportunity given the age range I see. As a teacher, I strive to provide a Technology Curriculum that is engaging, challenging and hands on. I thought I would focus on a few highlights from grades K, 3, 6 and 8 to represent a sampling of what students work on in Tech at RMAE.
Starting in Kindergarten, students begin learning the fundamentals of computer usage and anatomy. We produce digital artwork, work on cross curricular websites that help support activities in homeroom, and start learning the basics of programming.
In 3rd grade, students focus on learning to type and how to format reports in Google Docs. They also explore their galaxy with a program called NASA's Eyes. This is a program that is effectively Google Earth for our solar system with real satellite imagery from NASA. As a teacher, it is one of my favorite resources in my classroom.
In 6th Grade, students learn how to build mousetrap cars from a step by step video on YouTube. After the mousetrap car is complete, they track distance and speed in a spreadsheet and learn how to edit the data. They will also be working on a two month long 3D printing project for Night of the Arts.
Lastly, 8th Grade will be working almost exclusively with robotics. Each class starts with a story prompt that forces them to problem solve something new. This might be a programming challenge or that they cannot talk with each other while they work.