Tweets by KBeckmann_SOMS

Students in the 8th Grade Technology Explore class learn about design and function as they design their own CO2 powered cars. After researching about car design, what makes something more aerodynamic and other performance data, each student designs and builds their own vehicle using machines that include a lathe, belt sander and drill press. At the end of the explore class, the cars are raced using elimination brackets, and a final victor is recognized. The fastest car at the end of each explore will race against the fastest car in the next explore and at the end of the school year, a overall winner will be recognized. Shown below is the fastest car from the 2017-2018 school year which was designed and built by Olivia R. and the fastest car from Explore 1 this year, which was designed and built by Sean B.

What is a Air Slider? It’s a paper vehicle that requires students to use their measurement skills as they construct a aerodynamic slider that will skim across the ground. These vehicles can be tossed or launched using a rubber band. Precise measurement, cutting, folding and glueing is essential to successfully complete this project. Do you know that some Air Gliders have gone more than 75 feet?

Want to make your own? Click here for for a YouTube video that shows how.

We are excited to be back to school and have a new year underway. All classes started off with a discussion about technology and how it impacts our lives. We also discussed the problem solving loop and the steps we go through to solve a problem. The rubric for our SOMS Technology Classes was also shared and discussed (see below).