MS+Explore+Class+Notes

=Middle School Design Technology Exploratory=

On this page you will find information about the class including class notes, homework assignments, links and videos.

Class 1 - Welcome
Agenda: Homework:
 * Getting to know you
 * What is DT?
 * Expectations
 * Grading Policy
 * Download SketchUp
 * Join DT Wiki

Class 2 - The DT Lab - Tools and Safety
Sunday, August 14th

Agenda:

 * Review Homework
 * Safety Demonstrations
 * Safety Contract Handout
 * Lab Computer rules
 * Unit Question

[|SketchUp video] SketchUp is an important tool for designers who work in 3D. The DT Computer lab is outfitted with SketchUp 8 Pro which is the latest version. SketchUp is also available in a free version. This video shows how SketchUp is being used in the gaming industry to create unique worlds for interactive games. SketchUp is also being used by the motion picture industry to help designers design and build movie sets. In DT we use SketchUp to help us design products that solve real world problem.

Unit Question:
Why and how do societies convey persistent and important concepts clearly and quickly to all (or most) of its members? Here at AIS/D, how can we better communicate important big ideas (expectations, opportunities, events etc.) so that we are better able to participate in life in the community?

Homework:

 * Read and sign the safety contract. Take home the contract for your parents to sign too.
 * Notebook for DT
 * Unpack the unit question. Think about the unit question. What are the big ideas in the unit question? Be prepared to talk about the unit question next class?

Class 3 - Unpacking the Unit Question
Agenda - Unit Question Discussion
 * Brainstorming with Mind Maps
 * Bubbl.us

Agenda

 * Review Homework
 * Brainstorming - Mind Mapping Group Activity
 * Using Bubbl.us to record our mind maps

Homework

 * Reinterpret the UQ in your own words and post it in your design folder. Make sure to tell the reader how the unit problem is relevant to you. Use specific examples from your own life. Check out the Design Folder Explained page for more info.
 * Add your mind map to the wiki.
 * NOTE ABOUT UPLOADING GRAPHICS: Make sure to call your graphics something meaningful. "My Mind Map" is not meaningful file name because it does not say who you are. "Fred-Mindmap-U1" is much better name.

Agenda:

 * Cut Out Squares project
 * Lab Safety Review
 * Lab Time!

Agenda:

 * What is a design brief
 * What is a design specification
 * How does the brief and specification relate to the UQ
 * Scroll Saw Lab cont.

Homework:

 * Write a design brief and specification for your product.

Class 7 - Design Brief / Specifications cont.

 * How to write a design brief
 * How to write a design specification
 * What are guiding questions

Homework:
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 * Write Design Brief, Specification and guiding questions for the group sign project.

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Class 8 - Investigation

 * Review Homework
 * Using guiding questions to continue the investigation.