STEAM Course Syllabus Instructor: M. Pendleton
Course Description Creativity, engineering, and ingenuity collide, combining industrial design with imagination. STEAM challenges students to fabricate the tools needed to solve the problems of the future. Design a functional chair out of cardboard inspired by the simplistic genius of Ray and Charles Eames. Create a geodesic dome out of recycled materials under the guidance of Buckminster Fuller’s principles of design. This course embraces the current “maker” culture, as seen at MIT’s Media Lab, Carnegie Mellon’s Digital Fabrication Lab, and more. STEAM is a fusion of engineering, architecture, physics, and art. Investigations will include the use of form, space, and composition. Students will investigate forms of composition and develop their ideas from a sketch to a blueprint to a prototype to a final structure. Fabrication mediums include cardboard, found objects, clay, and fiber. Analytical discussions of student work, including presentations will provide a cumulative summative assessment. Students will leave STEAM armed with a working artistic vocabulary, prepared to make advancements in 21st Century university and career settings. Guest speakers include practicing mechanical engineers, MIT graduates, and graphic designers. Students will participate in critiques, develop marketing proposals, and gain public speaking skills (the ability to ARTiculate). This class will particularly boost the confidence and language skills of EAL students as they look to broaden their horizons in western universities and foreign job markets.
Course Objectives ● ● ● ● ●
Establishing a vocabulary of sculptural and maker terminology Developing an individual method of inquiry and systems thinking Students will explore the aesthetics of engineering and design Students will learn to solve problems intelligently, looking at all sides of the issue Students will learn to communicate effectively as designers
Course Topics Unit 1: Introduction to STEAM & the Maker Lounge What is STEAM? What resources are available? Ping Pong Challenge Unit 2: Prototyping & Product Design IKEA Cardboard Chair Challenge Aesthetics vs. Function The Art of the Elevator Pitch Unit 3: Introduction to Architecture Blueprints 2-point Perspective The Marshmallow Tower Challenge Unit 4: Introduction to Project-Based Learning The Toothpick Bridge Challenge Unit 6: Physics & Aerodynamics Dynamics Shoot for the Moon: Launcher Challenge Glider Design Project Unit 7: Fabrication The Pringles Packaging Challenge Unit 8: Elements & Principles of Design Color theory, font, & typography Op Art Project Unit 9: Art & Music The Pendulum Project Unit 10: Forensics Patterns, programming, and electronics The Cypher Project Unit 11: Structural Engineering Geodesic Domes (Buckminster Fuller) Unit 12: Capstone Project (March - May) Renewable resources (solar, wind, etc.) Thinking Globally, Acting Locally.
Classroom Expectations ● Respect for your teachers, fellow students, and yourself. ● Be on time. Be prepared. Be ready to start when the bell rings. ● Participate in and outside of class. Follow instructions given by instructor and complete homework assignments on time. Late homework will not be accepted. ● Be responsible. Come prepared with your journal and supplies to every class. Also, be respectful of your art materials. ● Give your best effort at all times as an artist and student. ● Edmodo will be the base of communication for this course. Students will check Edmodo daily for updates, assignments, and notes.
Resources ● ● ● ●
Sketchbook 3 ring binder or folder Laptop computer Headphones
Assessment Students will display skills of various artistic, constructive, technological, and scientific techniques and mediums. This will be assessed through completed projects and classroom observations. Students will display knowledge of design, scientific, and engineering theory. This will be assessed through written reflections, papers, projects, and critique reflections. Students will display understanding by answering the essential questions of STEAM. This will be assessed through in-class observations and completed projects. Students will display dispositions through their appreciation of STEAM and their directions as innovators. This will be assessed through in class observation during instructional time, working time, critique sessions, and presentations.
Grading Policy Formative: Classwork/Homework/Participation: 20% Summative: Projects and Presentations: 80%