New Visions

Please note that this course is very dynamic so projects are flexible and subject to change.

Interaction (B)log Notebook (Or view as PDF)- Students record what they learn from each of our guest speakers; with special note of new concepts, how those concepts interrelate and what the social value of various research is. . On a rotating basis, students publish a blog entry that summarizes what each guest taught. This blog is used as as resource for quizzes, tests, and projects.

Book Circles - (Or view as PDF). “The greatest gift is a passion for reading. It is cheap, it consoles, it distracts, it excites, it gives you knowledge of the world and experience of a wide kind. It is a moral illumination.” - Elizabeth Hardwick. In an effort to give students a passion for reading, the book circle project empowers students to choose books of their own interest and share them with the class, not as book reports, but as interactive presentations that aim to bring the value of the book to the entire class. A peer assessment is used to encourage students to connect with their audience.

Iterative Writing - (Or view as PDF) Each marking period we will have two or more international guests who share with us the culture, government, and economics of their country of origin. We also will have several "stand alone" economics lessons. Through these experiences, our students gain a broader ability to interact with the international students and professors they will undoubtedly meet in college. By learning about the US system of economics, reviewing the US system of government, and considering alternatives to the US systems, students are able to reflect on their personal views as a participant in US government. Students use this opportunity to improve their ability to write, through an iterative, and peer-reviewed process.

GK12 Projects - We are exceptionally grateful to be part of Rensselaer's NSF DAEE program. The grant pairs a Rensselaer graduate student ("fellow") with a high school classroom as an engineer in residence. It is our expectation that our new fellow will continue bringing exciting, knowledge and opportunities to our students, with special focus on energy and the environment, as the grant requires. The fellow works with the regular flow of our class, but is also expected tol lead our students through 2- 3 stand alone, very hands on engineering endeavors each marking period.

SME (or view as PDF)- Each student team will design a product that can be manufactured in quantity, using Rensselaer's Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory. The most appropriate design will be selected by members of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. The selected product will then be produced by Rensselaer students in the Advanced Manufacturing course the following fall. In past years, SME has also generously given a scholarship to the winning team members!

Cleanroom Solar Cells (or view as PDF) - Students will work with Mr. Colwill to create solar cells and to select appropriate modifications to make those cells more efficient. Students will be assessed on their ability to understand and share the details and context of this complex process.

Lego Robotics -. Students work in pairs to economically design and present a well-functioning robot, in response to a fictional "request for proposal". (See PDF).

CATS Solutions- Engineers solve problems! Students will work with Rensselaer's Center for Automated Technology and Systems to review real technical challenges that were brought to the center by state wide businesses. Students will work in teams to propose solutions and then compare these solutions to those that the engineers and CATS developed. This experience will be used to prepare students for a mentored business plan competition. (See also PDF)

Bio Chemical Engineering Project- Student teams will create brochures to be shared with and evaluated by the Coxsackie Athens AP and/or Honors biology classes. The brochures will illustrate and explain current and emerging tehcnologies that answer the question, "How is biochemical engineering expected to specifically impact the health and quality of life your generation?" (See also PDF)

Alternative Energy Project (Open draft as .docx or .pdf)- Students will display energy technology and policy posters at the NY State Legilative Office Building

Mentored Project PLANNING - Students will participate in a project where they are mentored by someone in a STEM field. This will most likely be Rensselaer's Severino Business Center High School Business Plan competition, but there may be alternative options for differently motivated students to participate in a research or outreach project instead.

Mentored Project - Students will participate in a project where they are mentored or in communcation with professionals in their field. Students can choose between Rensselaer's Severino Business Center High School Business Plan competition, or an individually mentored project.

Traffic Taming - Students will work with Dr. Jeff Ban to investigate and improve traffic flow, as part of civil engineering.

Nanofluidics - Students have the opportunity to do authentic research with Dr. Borca-Tasciuc

Video Bursts - Students will create YouTube videos that make cutting edge STEM research accessible to those outside the fields.

Rube Goldberg - Students will participate in a Rube Goldberg showcase or competition with WSWHE New Visions Engineering program and possibly other schools.