Exploring Technology - Class Syllabus

CLASS OVERVIEW
Students will engage in STEM curriculum involving the design process. Course work will include lessons in CAD
software, production, graphic design, structures, tool usage, & engineering. Projects will be hands-on and promote
problem solving through active creation. Students will demonstrate safe & responsible manufacturing practices
through use of computer technology, tools, power equipment, and industrial machinery.

Expectations and Classroom Policies

1. Being Prepared
a. Students are expected to arrive on time, with supplies every day – ready to learn when the bell rings. Multiple
tardies will almost certainly affect overall understanding as well as result in disciplinary action.
b. Supplies include: Paper, pencil, and any completed assignments.
i. Main resources used include Photoshop, CutStudio, & Rhino. Other technologies and programs which
support overall STEM and CTE standards will also be utilized.
ii. Various shop tools & machinery such as saws, drills, sanders, laser cutters, 3-D printers, vinyl cutters
and the heat press will be used as well.

2. Grades
a. Due Dates/Late Work
i. There will be many ongoing projects throughout the semester, which will have due dates at the end of
their respective units. Some projects may overlap in timelines, which means that organization and pre-
planning is a major component in being successful in this class.
ii. For the most part, students will have agency in determining specific deadlines for the bulk of projects.
iii. To model real-world business & production skills, project grades will include “Professionalism,” and
“Equipment/Materials Usage.” Depending upon the specific project, these include such things as: time
management, collaboration, following rules/parameters, appropriate use of technology, adhering to
copyright, maintaining a clean workspace, independence, following safety protocols, proper equipment
usage, materials conservation, utilizing feedback, as well as showing respect and effort.
iv. Assignments turned in beyond the end of their final project deadline are considered late.
v. Late work submitted within one week of a given deadline will incur only a small penalty in the category
for “Professionalism.” Submissions beyond one week late will result in a max grade of 80%.
vi. It is the student’s responsibility to get missing work due to absence. For each day missed, students will
be granted two additional days to complete required work.
vii. Final projects may not be resubmitted. This is because editing & revision form a critical part of the
design process. Submissions should occur when students are prepared and proud of their final products.
Revision/feedback/editing should be happening naturally as part of class projects. Trying to “redo”
those skills does not make sense. Actively engaging in this design process forms an important part of
most project rubrics and is a valuable life skill. When something is officially turned in, it is done.
viii. Students are responsible for their own work, even when working in groups.

b. Projects & Tasks

i. The bulk of class involves actively creating various projects through the engineering and design process.
ii. There will also be performance tasks covering some of the major project types explored.
iii. Grades are broken into the following categories: Foundations (17%), Graphic Arts (25%), Design &
Fabrication (25%), and Engineering (33%).
iv. Students will maintain the utmost academic integrity. Cheating and/or plagiarism will not be tolerated.
Students caught doing either will face disciplinary action, in addition to earning a zero for the given
assignment with no retake opportunity.

c. Grading Procedures
i. Grade percentages are determined by dividing total points earned by total points possible.
ii. Grades will be posted and available online. They will be updated regularly.
iii. From time to time the potential for extra credit will be available, but it is not a guarantee.
iv. Grades are calculated to the tenth, and the NSD grading scale is:
80.0-82.9% B- 83.0-86.9% B 87.0-89.9% B+ 90.0-92.9% A- 93.0% ↑ A
40–59.9% F 60.0-66.9% D 67.0-69.9% D+ 70.0-72.9% C- 73.0-76.9% C 77.0-79.9% C+
 3. Miscellaneous
a. Food, drink, & GUM are unfortunately not permitted due to the nature of our tech-heavy computer lab space.
i. Water bottles may be stored near the entry door if desired but may not be brought into the main room.
ii. Eating/drinking at or near computers will result in disciplinary action, as will chewing gum at any time.
b. Technology such as cell phones or other personal non-approved devices are not permitted in the classroom.
Please be respectful of keeping our energy and attention dedicated to the tasks at hand.
c. Computers are to be used for class work/projects only. Students are expected to follow the guidelines for
computer usage as outlined by the student handbook. Having computer privileges revoked will make succeeding
in this class very difficult.
d. Students should begin class by logging in to computer and checking daily learning targets. At the end of class,
students should log out of computers and save work.
e. Students are expected to clean their workspace each day – leave it better than you found it.
f. Communication between students, parents, and teacher is encouraged. Student email accounts, rather than
personal accounts, should be used for communication.
g. This STEM course meets several learning requirements set by the state of WA OSPI across multiple state
standard disciplines. See Mr. Bohannan for more detailed information.
h. There are no additional fees for the Exploring Technology class.
Matthew Bohannan
Leota Middle School
Room 614
(425) 408-6544
[email protected]

The Engineering & Design Process

1. Define the Problem

2. Research & Collect Information
3. Brainstorm & Analyze Possibilities
4. Develop Prototype
5. Feedback
↓ ↑
6. Improve
7. Present Final Product

Acknowledgement of Syllabus – Exploring Technology

My student, ________________________________________, and I have together read the class syllabus sand understand the
information within it. We know to ask Mr. Bohannan about any questions we might have, and that a copy is available through the
class Schoology page.

___________________________________________ ___________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date