9th Grade Computer Science & Technology Simulations

The “Physics of Bridges” project utilizes research skills, MS Word, and Sketchup (free CAD software download) to allow students to build skills in those programs along with skills in Internet research, reading, writing and critical thinking. In these projects, students research information about bridge design and the physics behind them. They create a scale model drawing of a bridge using Sketchup (CAD) and then brainstorm with their team to determine the best design to build from specific provided materials that they “purchase” using a set budget with the goal of building the most attractive, strongest bridge for the least cost. They utilize the software simulation “West Point Bridge Designer” (free download) to assist them in their learning. Finally, they reflect on their learning and the dynamics of their team to complete the project.

The project was created for grades 7-8 but could easily be adapted for younger or older students.

Files Included with this Lesson

• Teacher Notes and Resources

• Bridge Project Overview & Expectations

• Bridge Questions and Vocabulary (includes teacher key)

• Bridge Research project

• WestPoint Bridge Designer Project Instructions and Expectations

• Bridge Building Challenge Expectations (includes Sketchup/CAD assignment)

• Materials Planning & Price Sheet

• Construction Evaluation Sheet

• Material Control Sheet

• Written Reflection Assignment (MS Word or other word processing)

• 3 Customizable Certificates for Challenge Winners

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⭐ The Physics of Amusement Park Rides
⭐ The Physics Behind Tensegrity Structures - STEM Building & Research Activity
⭐ The Physics of Geodesic Domes - STEM Design and Construction Project
⭐ The Physics of Windmills

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The “Physics of Windmills” project utilizes research skills, MS Word, and Sketchup (free CAD software download) to allow students to build skills in those programs along with skills in Internet research, reading, writing and critical thinking. In these projects, students research information about how windmills work and the physics behind them. They create a scale model drawing of a windmill using Sketchup (CAD) and then brainstorm with their team to determine the best design to build from recycled materials. Finally, they reflect on their learning and the dynamics of their team to complete the project.

The project was created for grades 7-8 but could easily be adapted for younger or older students.

Files Included with this Lesson

• Teacher Notes and Resources

• Windmill Project Overview & Expectations

• Windmill Research project (includes teacher key)

• Team Planning Sheet

• Team Sign Up Sheet

• Sketchup (CAD) drawing project expectations and rubric (Sketchup or another CAD program)

• Windmill Testing Score Sheet

• Written Reflection Assignment (MS Word or other word processing)

Related Products
⭐ The Physics Behind Tensegrity Structures - STEM Building & Research Activity
⭐ The Physics of Amusement Park Rides
⭐ The Physics of Geodesic Domes - STEM Design and Construction Project
⭐ The Physics of Bridges

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This career unit gives students an introduction to the law, public safety, corrections and security career cluster and what a career in this field would be like. This is perfect for a career, technology, CTE or business class.

The included PowerPoint presentation can be used by the teacher for whole class instruction, or provided to the students electronically (or as a printout) for them to review individually. Students use close reading skills with a short informational passage to learn about the career field and answer questions to use critical thinking skills and demonstrate their understanding. Two different puzzles are included to learn different jobs in the career and to reinforce vocabulary skills. A technology based project comic creation project is included to allow students to use critical thinking and creativity to further explore the career field. A quick reference/tutorial is also included for StoryboardThat (free, no download needed). Additionally, a group legal case analysis project that can be completed without student computer access (by the teacher printing out the linked information) or providing access to a computer for each group to research is provided to simulate the career and allow students to utilize critical thinking skills and teamwork. Finally, a short reflection questionnaire gives students the opportunity to reflect and analyze their learning as they determine if this career field is of interest to them.

The project was created for grades 7-8 but could easily be used with high school students. The teacher can choose to use some or all of the provided lesson options included in this resource.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files Included with this Lesson

• Teacher & Student Notes and Resources

• Introduction to Law Careers PowerPoint presentation (editable)

• Introduction to Law Careers Research Reading and Questions

• Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle (includes answer key)

• Job Type Word Search Puzzle (includes answer key)

• Technology based Creative Application Project Instructions, Tutorial and Rubric

• Team Brainstorming Worksheet

• Case Study Task Cards (6 different cases)

• Law Career Simulation Group Lesson Instructions and Rubric

• Law Career Reflection Questions (MS Word)

This lesson is a part of the bundle Exploring Careers: 16 Career Cluster Units BUNDLE

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⭐ Real World Math - How Math is Used in Law & Public Safety Careers
⭐ Landmark Cases of the Supreme Court - Research & Presentation using Powtoon

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In this lesson, students learn more about both the classic Seven Wonders of the World and the “new” Seven Wonders project as they research the history, design and engineering of the wonders. The lesson starts with a whole class Microsoft PowerPoint presentation (editable) to view the Wonders and start discussion. Next, students choose one of the classic and one of the “new” Wonders to research further and create a presentation with that information (using Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides). Optionally, these may be presented to the class. In the next part of the assignment, they design an “Eighth Wonder” of their own (to scale) based on what they learned, using Sketchup (a free CAD program that can be downloaded at: https://www.sketchup.com/ or used as an online tool). After completing the drawing, students build a model of their Wonder to scale using chipboard, cardboard or other materials. The building activity can be done as a team/small group activity if you prefer. Finally, students answer questions to reflect on their learning for this unit. This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in upper elementary grades or high school as well. Materials Required: • Computers with Internet access for each student (or pair of students) • Access to Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides • Access to Sketchup (https://www.sketchup.com/) – either downloaded or online • Building Materials: A variety of materials to construct and decorate the house such as cardboard, chipboard, foam board, balsa wood, construction paper, toothpicks, craft (popsicle) sticks, paint or markers, rulers, scissors, white glue, hot glue (and glue guns), tape, X-acto knives (and blades), etc. Files included: • Teacher & Student Resources • Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation: The Seven Wonders of the World (editable) • Researching Classic and New Wonders: Student Expectations, Instructions and Grading Rubric • Designing an “Eighth Wonder” in Sketchup: Student Expectations, Instructions and Grading Rubric • Sketchup Tutorial (step-by-step instructions with screen shots) • Team Sign Up Sheet • Building Project: Student Expectations, Instructions and Grading Rubric • Reflection Questions Remember to leave feedback for credits on future purchases! ************************************************************************** Connect with us for free technology tips, resources and curriculum: Follow our blog Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Pinterest Visit our Website

In this lesson, students learn more about architecture as they research the history of different architectural styles, and learn about the creators of those designs. The lesson starts with a whole class Microsoft PowerPoint presentation (editable) to view the styles and start discussion. Next, students choose one of the styles to research further and create a presentation with that information. Optionally, these may be presented to the class. In the next part of the assignment, they design a house of their own (to scale) in the style they researched using Sketchup (a free CAD program that can be downloaded at: https://www.sketchup.com/ or used as an online tool). After completing the drawing, students build a model of their house to scale using chipboard, cardboard or other materials. Finally, students answer questions to reflect on their learning for this unit.

This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in upper elementary grades or high school as well.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation: Architectural Styles (editable)

• Researching an Architectural Style Project: Student Expectations, Instructions and Grading Rubric

• Designing a House in Sketchup: Student Expectations, Instructions and Grading Rubric

• Sketchup Tutorial (step-by-step instructions with screen shots)

• Building Project: Student Expectations, Instructions and Grading Rubric

• Reflection Questions

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Architecture & Construction
⭐ Real World Math - How Architects Use Math in their Career
⭐ Famous Architects & Their Place in History - Research & PowerPoint Project

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Learning about Transportation Careers gives students an introduction to what individuals in this career field do on the job. This is perfect for a technology, business or marketing class, or a class that focuses on careers. Students learn about the career as they research information and create a short PowerPoint presentation. Next, they apply their knowledge to learn more about logistics as they choose a product and understand how it would be transported and stored. Finally, they use Sketchup (a free CAD download) to create an “ideal” form of transportation and justify their choices for the design. This project was created for grades 7-8 but could easily be adapted for older students.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files Included with this Lesson

• Teacher & Student Notes and Resources

• Introduction to Transportation Careers Project

• Understanding Logistics Project

• “Ideal” Transportation Design Project

• Project Samples

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
⭐ Real World Math - How Math is Used in Transportation Careers

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Learning about Graphic Design gives students an introduction to what graphic designers do on the job. This is perfect for a technology, business or marketing class, or a class that focuses on careers. Students learn about the career from the provided PowerPoint (short teacher presentation) Next, they apply their knowledge in a logo identification game, and finally they design and create a logo of their own. The project was created for grades 7-8 but could easily be adapted for older students.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files Included with this Lesson

• Teacher & Student Notes and Resources

• Introduction to Graphic Design Careers PowerPoint

• Identify the Logo Activity Instructions

• Identify the Logo Student Handout

• Identify the Logo Answer Key

• Logo Creation Project Expectations, Instructions & Grading Rubric

• Logo Project Samples

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
⭐ Graphic Design Projects using the Web 2.0 Tool Canva
⭐ Real World Math - How Math is Used in Arts, A/V Tech & Communication Careers

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