SCI-TECH 7

Overview

Sci-Tech 7 teaches 7th grade science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in a modern context using a blended learning environment. Students master the 7th grade Connecticut Science Curriculum Frameworks as they study the creation of our Earth as driven by the energy, forces, and motions of the universe. Students research Earth’s early metamorphosis, investigate the episodes that lead to the development of modern Earth, and explore the phenomena that contribute to its ever-changing landscape. Students analyze the evidence left by early forms of life to create a picture of life, its evolution, and the forces driving its change. Imbedded in the course are current tools and technologies, online interactive studies, inquiry laboratories, and activities to enhance content and prepare students for a 21st century world.

Engineering Capstone
Students are challenged to make a difference in the environmental health of our world. Teams choose an environmental issue that they’ve identified in their own community and, using the steps of the ‘engineering process’, develop a plan to take action.

Student Meetings/Experiential Learning Dates
Student meeting dates will be posted here as they are finalized.

The 2010 CT Student Innovation Expo
The culminating event for all students is the CT EXPO.

What Do You Do in Sci-Tech 7?

The Sci-Tech 7 Challenge

Research
Students conduct a community needs survey in order to gain insight into the communities’ perceived environmental issues. Students then conduct research in order to explore an identified local environmental issue.

Develop
Through a brainstorming process, research, and communications with local scientists, student teams work to identify possible solutions to their identified problem.

Design
Students create a model—a prototype—of their proposed solution in order to gauge effectiveness of the solution. The prototype may be computer-generated or a tangible working model. Using the model, students evaluate their solution to determine if it meets the community’s need. After analyzing the prototype, students revise their design in order to achieve success. Teams create an implementation plan for their solution.

Present
Each team presents its solution in three different venues for evaluation by a panel of science professionals, researchers, and higher-education faculty. First, they post a project Web site on our Internet server for online evaluation. Second, they create an interactive exhibition booth at the annual Connecticut Student Innovation Expo at the Connecticut Convention Center. Finally, they deliver a five-minute oral presentation to demonstrate their innovative solutions.

Awards
Sci-Tech 7 students are recognized for outstanding performance in a variety of categories:

• Outstanding Team Player
• Outstanding Team Leader
• Outstanding Exhibition Booth
• Outstanding Project Proposal
• Outstanding ePortfolio
• Outstanding Oral Presentation
• CCC Engineering Internship Award

Requirements of Sci-Tech 7

Topic
Each team's project plan should include the following elements: complete materials list, expense sheet, collaborating organizations, project timeline, community involvement, and PR campaign.

Team Identity
Your team will develop an identity, including the following:
• Team Name and Profile
• Team Organization Chart
• Company Employees’ Resumes, Job Descriptions, and Portfolios

e-Portfolio
Each student’s e-Portfolio documents the research, problem-solving activities, and multimedia development used for the design and mitigation of the plan. Each e-Portfolio documents the student’s individual activities during the project and should contain digital files, digital photographs, research citations, digital video, and personal reflection about the work.