LJMS Engineering Elective
The engineering program at Luther Jackson Middle School
What if there was a way to prepare our children to face real-world technology systems that would change our world? Well, look no further than the LJMS engineering program! The four student-driven courses, taught by knowledgeable academic experts, will help our future leaders face real-world conflicts that may change our world. In the engineering program, students will develop innovative and creative solutions to real-world crises plaguing our planet. One example is our aquaponics lab, providing fresh food through vertical farming to needy people (https://jacksonms.fcps.edu/features/out-world-idea-local-impact-middle-school-students-use-vertical-farming-system-feed). The LJMS engineering center will not only change our future, but the lessons taught in the four courses will prepare our students for the new workforce system.
Engineering 1
The Engineering 1 course is a semester-long introductory course to LJMS’ engineering program. In this course, students will learn how to design and model a 3d landscape, using household materials to prepare solutions to various introductory problems. Examples of projects include:
- Building a solar sail.
- Developing and testing a balsa wood bridge.
- Creating a VEX IQ robot.
- Designing and planning their dream home.
- Fabricating a marble run.
In each class, students will be given a photo of a brand-new technology system and asked questions that force their brains to think and plan like real-life engineers. Students will also record their projects and findings in their own Virtual Engineering Notebook, which nudges students to be organized and neat. This introductory course, taught by Ms. Breza, is a basis for the exciting material in future classes.
Engineering 2, 3, and 4
After students go through Engineering 1, they can continue their engineering journey in a demanding course that will test their skills and knowledge. Unlike most schools, LJMS lets kids have their private projects, giving students a sense of freedom. Students will brainstorm and use their intuitive abilities to build something meaningful to the world. For example, creating a hydroponics system will be significant towards world hunger. The creations formed in LJMS will not only educate students, but they will prove incredibly useful in our future generations. Students will also write five intuitive articles on the largest middle school technology newspaper platform in the United States, known as ESTEEMStream.news (https://esteemstream.news/). In Engineering 2, 3, and 4, taught by Mr. Smith, students will fabricate projects that will change our future and improve their writing skills which will be their desired skill in the workforce.
To participate in the LJMS engineering program, contact the Main Office at 703-204-8100 to register your child in the LJMS engineering program.
