Course Syllabus

Teacher: Zitlalpilli Luna

School: Lathrop Intermediate School Room 226 STEM Lab

Year: 2025-2026

This syllabus includes the following information:

Outline and Project Lead the Way Performance Objectives

Methods of Assessment

Class Procedures and Rules

Course Rationale

Project Lead the Way is an inquiry-based program that enhances technological literacy and prepares students for life in the 21st century.

Resources

                Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Curriculum and Resources

Unit: Design and Modeling/6th Grade (Exploratory Wheel)

PLTW: Design and Modeling (DM) Course Outline

 In this unit, students begin to recognize the value of an engineering notebook to document and capture their ideas. They are introduced to and will use the Engineering design process to solve problems and understand the influence that creative and innovative design has on our lives. Students use industry standard 3D modeling software to create a virtual image of their designs. Students will bring their virtual images to life by building and testing their prototypes in a real world setting.

Lesson 1.1 What is Engineering?

Performance Objectives

• Assemble an engineering notebook and a portfolio.
• Explain the relationship between science, technology, engineering and math.
• Distinguish between invention and innovation.
• Describe engineering.
• Explain how engineers participate in or contribute to the invention and innovation of products

Lesson 1.2 Design Process

Performance Objectives

• Describe the design process and how it is used to aid in problem solving.
• Use the design process to solve a technical problem.
• Describe the purpose and importance of working in a team.
• Explain a design brief and apply the concept when using the design process.
• Describe the elements of design and apply this concept to the design process.
• Use a decision matrix to select the best solution to a design problem.

Lesson 1.3 Measurement

Performance Objectives

• Demonstrate the ability to measure accurately with different devices and scales.
• Measure using both the Standard and Metric systems

Lesson 1.4 Sketching and Dimensioning Techniques

Performance Objectives

• Use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometrics to sketch multiple dimensional shapes.
• Recognize and create thumbnail, perspective, isometric, and orthographic sketches.
• Recognize and accurately interpret one and two point perspective drawings.
• Communicate ideas for a design using various sketching methods, notes, and drafting views.
• Dimension an orthographic sketch following the guidelines of dimensioning.

Lesson 1.5 Designing for Production

Performance Objectives

• Create a three-dimensional (3D) model of an object.
• Apply geometric and dimension constraints to design CAD-modeled parts.
• Assemble the product using the CAD modeling program.
• Demonstrate the ability to produce various annotated working drawings of a 3D model.
• Identify the difference between a prototype, a model and a mock-up.
• Brainstorm and sketch possible solutions to an existing design problem.
• Learn how to 3D print models (optional.)

Projects:

Projects might include:  Air Skimmers, Tinkercad:  Puzzle Cubes, Sketchup:  Halloween and Holiday Projects, Onshape:  Do-Nothing-Machine , Independent 3-D Projects available

Grading: Letter grades are as follows

Above 90% - A   89-80% - B   79-70% - C   69-60% - D   Below 60% - F

Materials:

              Students will be provided with an Engineering Notebook.  Please take good care of it throughout the year. The loss of the Engineering Notebook will adversely affect your academic grade - be responsible and organized with your materials.  Rulers, mechanical pencils, and graph paper are highly recommended, and students will need to have their charged Chromebooks daily.

Procedures for Make-up Assignments

Students will have ample opportunities to make up an assignment.  The most important place for current information is their Google Classroom, as well as the daily agenda posted on the faculty page in the Lathrop Intermediate Webpage.

Class Procedures

Students will:  Sit and copy the agenda in the student planner.  Log into Google Classroom class to check the daily assignments.  All safety regulations should be followed throughout the period. If students cannot handle the responsibility of working in the STEM Lab, with sharp tools, power tools, they will be given an alternate book related assignment and can be removed from the Elective course.

Contact Information:

Phone: 714-567-3300

Email: zitlalpilli.luna@sausdlearns.net

PLTW Design and Modeling Syllabus Signature Form

Instructions:  Sign and return this sheet to Mr. Luna

I have reviewed and understand the PLTW Design and Modeling Syllabus:

Student (print) ___________________________ (sign) ____________________________Date:________

I have reviewed the PLTW Design and Modeling Syllabus:

Parent/guardian (print) _____________________ (sign) __________________________Date:_________