2010-2011 Update

2010 started very quickly for us here at Rome Middle School. Over the summer, several updates were made in our Technology Lab classroom. First a recording studio was created. Students begin to experiment with video recording software and hardware as 7th and 8th grade students here at Rome Middle School. So over the summer, I took the liberty of creating a recording studio for our video broadcasts to be taped within. So far this studio has been a tremendous asset to our students.

Also, we added several laptop computers in the lab portion of the classroom. Students have used our computers to work with CAD based programs in designing floor plans; this project has become a focal point of our classroom instruction on construction and tool safety, with a major emphasis on engineering. Students have also used our new computers to access a great bridge building program provided by West Point, called West Point Bridge Builder. This program allows students to chose from many different options as their ultimate goal is to cost effectively create a stable bridge that supports the weight of a truck carrying a full load cargo.

With the improvements that were made over the summer and as students began to arrive, we are certain that the Technology Lab is in line with our school's unofficial motto of continuously "Getting Better!" Students have grown in their understanding of green energy as projects related to solar power and hydro-electric power have been introduced into our curriculum. Over all this has been a great year, and we have the remainder of this nine-weeks to continue getting better!

Technology Update

Good Afternoon All,

I hope you all are doing well. I wanted to provide a brief update about what we are learning in Introduction to Technology.

This week we began discussing transportation and the technology that has revolutionized transportation around the globe. We have discussed alternative energy sources including: bio-fuel, solar energy, hydro-electric power, and wind energy. 7th grade students are preparing to begin and complete their bridge construction project. While, 8th grade students are preparing for their innovative twist to a popular T.V. show. They will pick a method of transportation and technologically spice it up a bit.

I will provide pictures and more updates later.

Signing off for now,

Coach Muse

8th Grade Project - Transportation Technology

Pictures can be found at: http://gs162.photobucket.com/groups/t261/MWPBWNQI59/

Click slide show and you may view all of the photo's posted.

Update Extravaganza

Good Afternoon All,
The spring semester is in full swing! For Connections teachers such as myself, the third nine-weeks is now under way. New students always bring a new opportunity to improve upon the lesson plans, activities, and instruction that I gave in the previous nine-weeks. Having made several adjustments from the first nine-weeks, 8th grade students participated in a new project, centered in transportation technology. I will post pictures with a web link following this post.
To begin this third nine-weeks students are now learning about inventions around the world. Understanding the impact of global inventions, innovations, and engineering based achievements students will be more prepared to study transportation technology, communication technology, as well as information technology. Understanding our place in the Global Market is critical for these students as they are currently seeing a paradigm shift as global communication, trading, and travel is more present than ever before!
If you have any questions or concerns regarding our educational path for this nine-weeks please contact me at jmuse@rcs.rome.ga.us.
Sincerely,

Coach Muse

First test followed by Transportation...

We just finished our first unit. In Introduction to Technology our first two weeks are spent solidifying our understanding of our Georgia Performance Standards that include: MSENGR-II-1 Learn the core concept of invention and innovation, MSENGR-II-2 Examine the core concepts of engineering and technology, and MSENGR-II-4 Examining the impacts of inventions and innovations on society and culture. We did that in the completion of our "Technology Around the World" project.
Now we move into Transportation Technology! The kids are excited, and I believe this will be a very valuable Unit for them as we move towards a better understanding of engineering and technology.
Stay tuned!

New STUDENTS...

As of Tuesday, October 13, 2009 I have had new students in my classroom. As always, the first two to three days were spent going over expectations, procedures, and classroom rules. The students all seem to have a good solid foundation, and I am very excited about the students I have this nine-weeks!

Since acclimating the students to my classroom we have began working on our "Technology Around the Globe" project. The students are doing very well with this assignment so far, I am looking forward to seeing the finished product after all of their hard work is compiled into a very unique poster!

Parents - Feel free to contact me at jmuse@rcs.rome.ga.us with any questions or concerns that you may have beginning this new nine-week course. Feel free to scroll down and get a glimpse into the future as to what your student will be doing in my class in the upcoming weeks.

Nine-weeks Completed

We have completed our first nine weeks of school. One fourth of our school calendar has been completed.


Today we finished our toothpick bridge project. Students tested their projects by applying weight to a hanging device from the deck of the bridge. The competition was fierce and the students were excited to see their projects tested.

This was my last day with the students from the first nine weeks. Tomorrow all Connections teachers will receive our new roles and new students. I look forward to our continued improvements to the Introduction to Technology curriculum at Rome Middle School.