DESIGN DEPARTMENT

Inquiry and problem-solving are at the heart of MYP design. The subject group requires the use of the design cycle as a tool that provides the methodology used to structure the inquiry and analysis of problems, the development of feasible solutions, the creation of solutions, model, prototype, product or system that students have developed and created independently.

MYP design challenges all students to apply practical and creative thinking skills to solve design problems; encourages students to explore the role of design in both historical and contemporary contexts; and raises students’ awareness of their responsibilities when making design decisions and taking action.

All middle school students attend Design classes twice a week. In grades 9 and 10 the combined Design course is offered daily. Students will develop problem solving skills through the use hand experiences in technology and develop and utilize critical thinking and decision making skills.

MYP uses the design cycle as a way to structure:

• inquiry and analysis of design problems

• development and creation of feasible solutions

• testing and evaluation of students’ models, prototypes, products or systems.

At Pinewood, Design is offered as two distinct digital and product design courses per semester.

Design Department Chair: Ms. Natalie Pinakidou

DIGITAL DESIGN MYP 2

Grade 7

MYP Digital Design 2 is a semester course which uses the design cycle in order to encourage the MYP based on the design cycle

• Inquiring and analysing

• Developing ideas

• Creating the solution

• Evaluating

Students will learn to code using blocks to drag and drop, but they can switch between blocks and text as desired. Additionally, an important focus is spreadsheet applications in collaboration with the Science teachers. With a unique focus on creativity, problem solving and project-based learning, this course gives students the opportunity to explore several important topics of computing using their own ideas and creativity to develop an interest in computer

PRODUCT DESIGN MYP 2 Grade 7

The Product Design course MYP 2 applies the design cycle to solve problems using 3D Design and 3D printing. Students will use 3D Modeling Software to create artifacts and models. To create functional, useful products, students will research existing solutions, develop design criteria, make technical drawings, develop technical skills related to 3D modeling, test and the impact of their solution on the client/ end-user.

DIGITAL

DESIGN MYP 3 Grade 8

MYP Digital Design 3 is a semester course which uses the design cycle in order to encourage the MYP based on the design cycle:

• Inquiring and analyzing

• Developing ideas

• Creating the solution

• Evaluating

This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of programming in the Python language. Students will learn basic Python commands, functions, and control structures by solving puzzles and writing creative programs. Additionally, a big part of the course is dedicated to Digital Citizenship concepts such as digital footprint and online reputation, internet safety, privacy and security, information literacy and researching techniques online.

PRODUCT DESIGN MYP 3 Grade 8

The Product Design course MYP 3 follows the design cycle to solve problems using various materials and tools. After familiarizing themselves with robotics in Product Design MYP1 and 3D Modeling in Product Design MYP2, students choose the materials and tools they will use for their products. To create functional, useful products, students will explain and justify the need to solve the problem, research existing solutions, and develop design criteria. They will of time and resources. After developing their prototypes, they will describe detailed testing methods, which generate data to measure the success of their solutions.

DIGITAL DESIGN MYP 4-5 (previously entitled High School Comp. Sci) Grades 9-10

This course provides the basics of Computer Science within the context of programming and the operation of a Computer System. It is an introductory course where the students learn the syntax of a coding language and the mechanics of a program based on internet related technologies. Additionally, the students will be able to capitalize on knowledge they have gained in earlier years and learn how to embed artifacts like spreadsheets, graphs, charts, and tables in their websites. As a hands-on course, the students learn the concept of algorithms and basic program structures by creating static and dynamic websites as well as image and video editing. These milestones are addressed through web development coding and multimedia technologies. The theoretical components of the course provides students with an integrated understanding of ICT. Students explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of individuals, organizations, and society.

PRODUCT DESIGN MYP 4-5 (IoT) Grades 9-12

The Internet of Things refers to the billions of physical devices around the world (from coffee makers to cars), connected to the Internet collecting and sharing data. This project-based course covers the basics of devices for sensing, actuation, processing, and communication. This class, divided in small groups, is going to work with various sensors (temperature, movement, pressure, ultra-wave etc.) as well as small processing devices called microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi). The students are going to apply the skills learned by designing, building and testing microcontroller-based systems.

COMPUTING SOCIETY Grades 11-12

This course is designed to provide a general understanding of Computer Science and an course enables an open dialogue with students in order to evaluate ethical, social as well as Additionally, the curriculum includes practical aspects of computer science which enhance the understanding of the capabilities of current systems and applications. The curriculum includes units for hardware components, security issues as well as basic coding, image and video editing.