Mar 20, 2015 - The new courses that will be offered to Norwin High School students are as follows: Course Name ... Compu
NEWS RELEASE
MARCH 20, 2015 NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT 281 MCMAHON DRIVE NORTH HUNTINGDON, PA 15642 CONTACT: Mr. Jonathan D. Szish, Coordinator of School and Community Relations, 724-8613000 ext. 1150 or
[email protected]
NORWIN AWARDED $45,000 GRANT TO BEGIN THREE NEW ENGINEERING COURSES Project Lead the Way Training for Teachers to Begin This Summer; Students to Start New Courses This Fall NORTH HUNTINGDON — To prepare the next generation of problem solvers, critical thinkers, and innovators for the global economy, Norwin School District is preparing to add three engineering courses at Norwin High School from the Project Lead the Way educational program. Project Lead the Way is a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum that is being used by more than 6,500 schools nationwide, according to the company. In February, Norwin High School received a $45,000 grant from Project Lead the Way – made possible by a generous donation from Chevron – to initiate an Engineering program with three new year-long courses. The grant will pay for teacher training, as well as upgraded software and equipment through the 2017-18 school year. After the grant money is spent, the District plans to continue to fund additional programming and capstone courses. The new courses that will be offered to Norwin High School students are as follows: Course Name Introduction to Engineering Design Principles of Engineering Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Description Students will dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. They will work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3D modeling software, and will use an engineering notebook to document their work. Through problems that engage and challenge, students will explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students will develop skills in problem solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation. Manufactured items are part of everyday life, yet most students have not been introduced to the high-tech, innovative nature of modern manufacturing. This course will illuminate the opportunities related to understanding manufacturing. At the same time, it will teach students about manufacturing processes, product design, robotics, and automation. Students can earn a virtual manufacturing badge recognized by the National Manufacturing Badge system.
Year Available Fall 2015 Fall 2016 Fall 2017
According to the company, the project-based aspects of the Project Lead The Way curriculum give students a chance to apply what they know, identify a problem, find unique solutions, and lead their own learning, rather than be passive recipients of information in a question-and-answer, right-or-wrong learning environment. Norwin administrators say the classroom environment will be one of collaboration and engagement where students will be working in teams and using industry-standard equipment and technology on activities and projects. Additionally, students will be able to earn college credits, a value-added benefit for their family and for them. The program will also create additional partnerships with local businesses. “Project Lead the Way is connected to institutions of higher education and business and industry partners around the globe,” said Dr. Tracy McNelly, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education. “Students who choose to enter the workforce, training, or to go on for advanced degrees will be well prepared for what lies ahead.” Project Lead the Way has been under consideration at Norwin School District during the past three years. Teachers and administrators from Norwin have spoken with or visited several schools that use Project Lead the Way courses, including Pine Richland, Montour, South Park and Chartiers Valley. “When students understand how their education is relevant to their lives and future careers, they become more engaged,” said Mr. Michael Choby, Coordinator of STEM Education and Norwin High School Assistant Principal. “We see STEM education as the intentional integration of real-world problem solving into multidisciplinary experiences. Offering these new engineering courses from Project Lead the Way is an outgrowth of this guiding philosophy.” ###
