Students are introduced to mechanical engineering through LEGOs. They will build several unique, functioning robots using tiny plastic pieces guided by manuals or they can create their own. This is a hands on way for students to develop their own designs and use creativity to solve problems like engineers do.
Students will also be introduced to programming via LEGO EV3 Mindstorms kits. After building the robots, they will program them to move and complete tasks using the LEGO Mindstorm software. This workshop serves as a brief intriduction to coding basics like algorithms, loops, and switches. Students will also learn to write color and touch sensor programs utilizing sensors on the robot.
Link to Lesson Plans: LEGO Robotics Curriculum
Topics such as the various components of a desktop setup and input and output devices will be introduced. After covering basics like logging into computers, students learn to manage files and email accounts. Students will also learn to distinguish safe, reliable websites from unreliable ones. The concept of internet safety will be elaborated upon. By the end of this course, students will have learnt how to conduct online research safely and effectively to supplement their education in the future.
Link to Lesson Plans: Introduction to Computers Curriculum
Microsoft Office proficiency is a crucial skill for those wanting to pursue careers in today’s technology centered era. Teachers are trained in MS Office and Google Drive during our summer training sessions hosted by Prepare's volunteers and teach students how to use Excel (and Google Sheets), Word (and Google Docs), and Powerpoint (and Google Slides) once the school year begins. As they progress through the lessons, students create documents on a topic of their choosing to demonstrate their mastery. They will present their work during our weekly Eco Fun Learn Zooms which include students and teachers from all of Prepare's schools.
Link to Student Sample Work: Eco Fun Learn Student Presentations
Students will be introduced to coding via JAVA Script using Code.org. They will complete self-led Hour of Code activities and the Express Course on Code.org. For students wishing to pursue Computer Science in higher education, this will give them early exposure to the world of computer science. Teachers complete the above mentioned courses during their summer training sessions led by our volunteers. Once the school year begins, teachers help students progress through these courses using lesson plans provided by Code.org.
Students will learn to think like environmental engineers by building models of solar-powered and wind-powered machines and learning about the importance of renewable energy sources. The burning of fossil fuels has caused the deterioration of air quality world wide. In the future, there will be a high demand for environmental engineers who can help by creating energy efficient alternatives to environmentally harmful fuel sources like coal.