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!