STEM Technology-P2-Oesterle

STEAM Syllabus Instructor: Ms. Oesterle        My e-mail: coesterl@pps.net      Phone:  503-916-6590

Welcome to STEAM!  

STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) promotes learning through designing and building working prototypes that are as unique and diverse as you are. Student teams are challenged to create, test, redesign and promote their solutions within the project constraints.

Concepts we will study: Architecture, Coding, Robotics, Aerodynamics, Rocketry, Trebuchet, and woodworking. 

My behavioral expectations:  

Safety is our number one priority in this class. Students should wear closed-toed shoes, keep long hair tied back, and move safely around the workshop and classroom. Student materials and tools can cause injury if left out. Students are also expected to follow West Sylvan Middle School’s expectations 

Be Respectful -In this class, students are expected to work with any assigned partner, use quiet voices and treat everyone with kindness and respect.   

Responsible -Keep your workspace clean and organized.   Stay at your assigned work space. Do not disrupt other teams. Complete projects within the assigned 2 week window. 

What to bring to Class - A pencil, your project design notebook and current project supplies.

Supplies - Due to the increased costs of class supplies, there is a  $25 fee for this class.  Please bring in a check to the teacher or go to our SchoolPay class account.

Evaluation – Rubrics for projects will be posted on CANVAS. Students are responsible for recording their plans in their notebooks, building  their ideas based on the plans, and presenting projects. ALL projects MUST be labeled, dated and finalized using complete sentences and accurate spelling. At the end of every project, students will turn in their notebooks to document their process. Keeping detailed notes is vital in our STEAM Classroom. 

Revisions and Retakes - To help students become proficient in developing design skills, students have the opportunity to redesign after the project deadline. This will be on their own time during lunch, before or after school. All project resubmissions are due by the end of the current grading period. 

Homework - Students should plan how to best utilize class time building and redesigning. Student homework is primarily research to help deepen understanding of the project.

Common Questions & Issues

Dishonesty - Copying others designs on projects will not receive credit and will receive a disciplinary referral.

What not to Bring to class - Backpacks, food, gum, toys or any object that gets in the way of completing tasks.

Bathroom - With permission, one student may use the bathroom at a time using their bathroom pass.

Lockers - Trips to a locker are only acceptable during passing times. Most lockers are far away from this class.

Questions - If students have a question or concern, please feel free to talk to me before school or during class. Technology - The use of Chromebooks/iPads is earned. Technology could be revoked at any time if students do not follow the PPS technology agreements.

Misbehavior – I have a progressive approach to enforcing classroom expectations that could include, but are not limited to asides/private conversation, check-ins, call home, reflection sheet  in an alternative setting or referrals.

Tardy to class –Students will be marked as tardy in Synergy. If a student has three tardies, there will be a phone call home, a stage 1 referral and lunch detention.

Absences – The student is responsible for completing all work missed. Go to Canvas Modules page for project information. Students must also check in with their team when absent from school and help produce the final product.

Parent Assistance- Throughout this class there will be times when extra adults are gratefully welcomed for safety and management.  Parents, if you have experience welding, electrical circuitry, coding OR can be a second adult to keep students on track, please let me know. My STEAM classes are 1st, 2nd,  3rd, 6th and 8th periods.

Proficiency Scoring – I use MYP Design rubrics.  Please note: I will be entering assignments and comments into Canvas.  I will use Synergy to report project scores. Get familiar with both applications.

Overall grades are based on the pattern of scores (how many of one score)  and quality of work completed throughout the quarter as described below. 

How scoring works: Say you earn scores (in order) of 8 ,7, 7, 7, 8, 4, 4, 1 in a quarter. Look for the mode. 7 (HP). However, you have 2 scores below proficient. Those scores will bring your overall score to technically a CP. However, I do have discretion if there is noticeable improvement at the end of the quarter.

 Key Principles

• Focus on Learning: Grades reflect mastery of each MYP standard—not just one test or assignment.
• Growth Mindset: More recent work is valued more heavily so that improvement is recognized.
• Equity: Every student has multiple opportunities, including reassessments, to demonstrate learning.
• Clear Communication: Both individual MYP standard scores and an overall grade are shared with students and parents.