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PLTW | Gateway To Technology (GTT)
Gateway To Technology (GTT) Unit Descriptions
The Gateway To Technology (GTT) program addresses the interest and energy of middle school students while incorporating national standards in mathematics, science, and technology. This activity-oriented, cutting-edge program shows students how technology is used in engineering to solve everyday problems. GTT currently consists of eight instructional units that motivate students to become creative innovators. During the GTT experience, students will gain the skills they need to develop, produce, and use products and services.
The Gateway To Technology curriculum provides project-based learning – a hands-on approach – that is exciting and challenging for the full range of students in today’s grade 6 – 8 classrooms. The curriculum relates technology to students’ daily lives. It promotes communication and collaboration by emphasizing a teaming approach in the instructional units. This approach utilizes the strengths of each team member to accomplish the goals of the project while offering students learning challenges at all ability levels.
Eight GTT Units
GTT currently consists of eight independent units that should be taught in conjunction with a rigorous academic curriculum. Each unit contains a two-day lesson on STEM careers that are specific to that topic. The units are designed to challenge and engage the exploratory minds of middle school students. Each 45 day unit contains performance objectives and suggested assessment methods. The eight units are:
GTT Foundation Units – Required
- Design and Modeling (DM)
In this unit, students begin to recognize the value of an engineering notebook to document and capture their ideas. They are introduced to and use the 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 and produce a portfolio to showcase their creative solutions.
- Automation and Robotics (AR)
Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics. They learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation and computer control systems. Students use a robust robotics platform to design, build, and program a solution to solve an existing problem.
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