• Engineering & Technology courses in middle school incorporate Gateway 6th-8th grade units from Project Lead the Way.  Students taking these encore/elective classes will build on design thinking and problem solving skills learned and developed through PLTW Launch lessons in elementary school.  Those interested in continuing onto an engineering path after middle school can access a sequence of Project Lead the Way engineering courses at Kirkwood High School.  Additional information about PLTW Gateway units can be found below.

    Sixth Grade

    During Sixth Grade Engineering, students will use the engineering design process to solve problems and be exposed to technology used by engineers and others within tech fields. Students are introduced to materials and processes that are basic to digital design and fabrication. Classroom discussions and readings will examine the impact of technology and engineering on the economy, society and environment. Students will understand the purpose and importance of working in a team. Students will accurately use scales/rulers and other drafting equipment to complete drawings. After thorough instruction in general safety procedures and safe usage of machines, students may use various tools and machines, as needed and appropriate, to construct projects.

    Seventh Grade

    This is a class for students who like to use their hands and minds to investigate, create, program and build. Students apply the design process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They work in teams to design various projects and record their research/ideas in engineering notebooks. Students will learn to use Autodesk® design software (CAD) to create virtual three-dimensional (3D) models of their designs.  After gaining knowledge of orthographic and isometric drawings, students will use various tools and materials to manufacture items from technical working drawings. The construction of projects will require familiarity with and the safe handling of hand and power tools, accurate measurement skills in both English Standard and Metric systems, an understanding of applied mathematics and physics, and excellent communication skills. Students will understand the purpose and importance of working in a team and evaluating criteria and constraints to solve technical problems through drawings and other forms of communication. 

    Eighth Grade

    Engineering Tech/Robotics: This is a class for students who like to use their hands and minds to investigate, create and build. Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program a variety of devices that offer real world challenges. The construction of the projects will require accurate measurement skills in both English Standard and Metric systems, an understanding of applied mathematics and physics, and excellent communication skills.  This course is offered at NKMS.

    Engineering Tech I: This course offers an in-depth look at engineering careers, engineering design process and manufacturing techniques. Students will use a CAD modeling system to create three-dimensional (3D) models. Students will describe the design process and how it works, along with demonstrating the ability to measure accurately to solve engineering problems. Students will understand the purpose and importance of working in a team and evaluating criteria and constraints to solve technical problems through drawings and other forms of communication. After gaining knowledge of orthographic and isometric drawings, students will use various tools and materials to manufacture items from technical working drawings.  This course is offered at Nipher.

    Engineering Tech II: This course offers an in-depth look at the engineering design process and manufacturing techniques. Students will spend an equal amount of time on technology research, engineering design, and manufacturing processes.  They will design solutions to problems that are found in everyday life and utilize CAD-based systems to demonstrate knowledge of measurement, construction and design.  Students will work in design teams and develop hard and soft skills to work through situations that will allow them to develop solutions to problems. They will also have the opportunity to develop mechanical and or architectural parts that can be printed in 3D to have a working model to better explain their solutions. Geometry and Math functions along with Engineering Concepts will be used to develop projects and solutions. This course is offered at Nipher.