WELCOME TO COMPUTER CLASSES AT JORDAN

  • Things that you can expect to experience when in a computer class at Jordan:
      • • Learn something new and creative
      • • Make new friends
      • • Have fun
      • • Discover new ways to use the computer as a learning tool
      • • Share and demonstrate what you know
      • • Understand better what it means to be on a team
      • • Think about your role in shaping the future

COMPUTER CREATIONS

This course is recommended for students who have grade level reading and writing skills, as well as the ability to work independently. This is a self-paced, applications and project-oriented course. Students will design a series of animations, create academic teaching programs that can be used in their core classes and design interactive computer games. There will be a final project where students will work in teams like professional computer programmers in collaboration to produce a final project. Students will "roll out" their "products" to the public on presentation day at the end of the semester. Students will be using FlashMX, iMovie, PhotoShop, GarageBand, Alice, and more. They will learn how to program text, sound, create 3D animation, music and create and import graphics in various forms.

SIXTH GRADE EXPLORATORY WHEEL

This abbreviated six week course gives students a chance to experience a variety of computer programs and create projects so that they can better choose their electives for 7th and 8th grade. Students will learn basic computing skills ranging from keyboarding, working with word processing to programming. Projects include graphics, animation with programmed music and web page design. A consistent favorite is a short animated "movie" with original art. The cycle ends with lessons on using the Internet as a resource tool, HTML coding and web page design.

SPACE SETTLEMENT DESIGN

Have you ever thought about what you would do if you could no longer live on Earth? What are the chances of an asteroid hitting earth like the one that hit 65 million years ago killing off the dinosaurs? Living in an orbiting space station may be one answer.

This course guides you through the process of designing and building a representation of an orbiting space settlement. Space colonies are permanent communities in orbit, as opposed to living on the Moon or other planets. There are many advantages to living in orbit: zero-g recreation, environmental independence, plentiful solar energy, and terrific views to name a few. There is plenty of room for everyone who wants to go; the materials from a single asteroid can build space colonies with living space equal to about 500 times the surface area of the Earth.

While designing a space colony, students will have a chance to study physics, mathematics, space science, environmental science, and many other disciplines. Projects may include essays, stories, models, and artwork. Students will work independently and cooperatively in teams to design entire colonies or focus on one aspect of orbital living. In addition, teams will have the ability to work collaboratively with students in other middle schools to develop a joint project.

Computers will be used for online research in designing colonies, using graphics and sound, and animation and 3D renderings. Students will also learn HTML coding to design a Web page to share your project with others. Possible field trips will be to NASA/Ames Research Center, Space Camp facilities, and computer companies focusing on 3D computer design. The class will culminate with each team submitting their design and model as entries in the NASA sponsored Space Settlement Design Contest.

This class is a prerequisite for students wishing to enroll in JTV-Broadcast News. Projects include diagramming the camera, making a film autobiography, a fake trailer for a horror movie, an academic topic video, and a film using stop-motion animation. Students learn responsible use of the equipment and how to operate as a filmographer.

WEB DESIGN

This is a project-based class where positive, self-motivated students will learn real world technology connections through collaboration and group work. Students analyze what makes a good web page, then use their new knowledge to create web pages using the latest multimedia design programs, such as Dreamweaver MX, Photoshop LE, Flash MX, Director 8 and iMovie. In addition, students will learn to use HTML coding and Java applets to enhance their projects.

INSTRUCTORS

Jeanie Forte, PhD.
Paul Gralen
Hal Roach
Comp.Creations, Video Prod., Web Design , Wheel
Video Production
Space Settlement Design