The Gateway to Technology course is designed to be taught in conjunction with a rigorous academic curriculum. This course engages the students’ natural curiosity and imagination in creative problem solving to teach them how to apply math, science, technology, and engineering to their everyday lives. In this course, students apply the design process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. Using Autodesk® design software, students create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their innovative solutions. Students also use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms. Schools offering the GTT program also select from six specialty units to provide a stronger foundation for students interested in furthering their studies in STEM fields: (1) Flight and Space introduces students to aeronautics, space and the use of design; (2) Science of Technology traces how science has affected technology throughout history; (3) The Magic of Electrons explores the science of electricity, the movement of atoms, circuit design, and sensing devices; (4) Energy and the Environment challenges students to think big and toward the future as they explore sustainable solutions to our energy needs and investigate the impact of energy on our lives and the world; (5) Green Architecture teaches students how to apply this concept to the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability; and (6) Medical Detectives provides opportunities for students to play the role of real-life medical detectives as they analyze genetic testing results to diagnose disease and study DNA evidence found at a “crime scene.” They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, investigate how to measure and interpret vital signs, and learn how the systems of the human body work together to maintain health. This course satisfies MSDE Computational Thinking/Learning requirement.
