Program Elements

 

 

Robotics and Computer Programming

The LGSA seeks to teach the skills our future workforce will need: creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. These skills are taught through project based engineering activities, computer programming, and robotics. When a student graduates from the LGSA they will be conversant in the computer programming language of JavaScript. They will have had a year long course in Robotics and Design Engineering using Lego Mindstorms EV3’s.

Engineering and Design

Students will be presented with real world challenges and incorporate collaboration, design, engineering principles, and math to create a positive outcome. Sample projects and units include but are not limited to the following: Popsicle stick bridges, air rockets, bottle rockets, egg drops, simple machine challenges, Rube Goldberg Machines, product development, alternative energy, and Environmentally sound residential and commercial construction.

 

Collaboration, Problem Solving and Individual Empowerment

The model for collaboration within the LGSA will be Lifeboat challenges.  Lifeboat activities are physical challenges that are presented to a group with a “success for all” theme. The group can only succeed if every individual succeeds, forcing their dependence on each member of the group. Students will be challenged with these activities in hopes of helping them find their individual role and importance in a group.   Ideally, this process of helping them discover a positive identity will translate to improved confidence, a positive self-concept, and enhanced communication skills.

 

Inquiry Based Learning

A common theme throughout all projects and challenges will be inquiry based learning. Students will be expected to solve real world problems through their own ideas, research, and collaboration. Instructors will serve as facilitators who will provide a basic knowledge of concepts necessary for success, but will expect students to discover solutions through experimentation, gathering data, and incorporating the Scientific Method in discovering the best solution to their challenge.

 

Community Outreach

A major component of LGSA will be communicating with local and statewide business to ensure congruity between educational preparation, and the college and career demands of the future. By teaming with a wide spectrum of business and industry, we guarantee ourselves the ability to provide a holistic educational experience that will provide our students the skills and characteristics to expand the opportunities for their futures.

 

Student Assessment

The primary metric for measuring student success will be the SBAC test results for each year. Data for each student will be tracked longitudinally to track individual progress, and aggregated to assess and identify trends of positive or negative outcomes for our students.

 

Program Evaluation and Evolution

At the conclusion of each school year, LGSA will gather stakeholders to evaluate the quality of our program. Instructors, parents, local business leaders, and school administration will be tasked with assessing the benefits, addressing the shortfalls, and implementing improvements for the following school year.