Academic Technology
Academic Technology Curriculum
A Comprehensive Approach
Beginning in Junior Kindergarten, academic technology is integrated into the curriculum day. Teachers balance traditional teaching methods with the latest technology, and encourage a mindset of creativity and problem solving. Our students build proficiency and gain confidence as they progress through each grade, incorporating technology to deepen their learning and mastery. From early problem solving in the lower grades, to engineering and production in the upper grades, students are provided with resources and opportunities to excel in our rapidly changing world.
Lower School Academic Technology Curriculum
In Lower School, our learning design involves high engagement, structured so that students are drawn into appropriate levels of challenge. Curiosity and creativity are nurtured, along with consistent encouragement for teamwork and partner work. Students are encouraged to try new things, and to think and talk through problem-solving steps.
For the past two years, students in third and fourth grade were presented with a midyear coding focus, with choices to create, load, and test programs for Ozobots. During the final term in fourth grade, all students worked in teams to program drones that flew indoor challenge tasks. This year, we are excited to grow our computational thinking in new directions. This fall, all students in grades Kindergarten through four will focus on coding at developmentally appropriate levels. Older elementary students will work with robotic devices using EdBlocks, a fully graphical robot programming language ideal for students aged 8 to 12 years old.
Primary grades focus on using class collections of iPads, integrated across the curriculum. Upper Elementary students utilize iPads, Chromebooks, and laptops. Fourth graders are introduced to Google Drive throughout the year. For third and fourth grade students, tech basics include digital education, keyboarding/writing, creative mixed media and presentations, and building research skills.
To learn more, visit the STEM in Cannon's Lower School webpage.
For the past two years, students in third and fourth grade were presented with a midyear coding focus, with choices to create, load, and test programs for Ozobots. During the final term in fourth grade, all students worked in teams to program drones that flew indoor challenge tasks. This year, we are excited to grow our computational thinking in new directions. This fall, all students in grades Kindergarten through four will focus on coding at developmentally appropriate levels. Older elementary students will work with robotic devices using EdBlocks, a fully graphical robot programming language ideal for students aged 8 to 12 years old.
Primary grades focus on using class collections of iPads, integrated across the curriculum. Upper Elementary students utilize iPads, Chromebooks, and laptops. Fourth graders are introduced to Google Drive throughout the year. For third and fourth grade students, tech basics include digital education, keyboarding/writing, creative mixed media and presentations, and building research skills.
To learn more, visit the STEM in Cannon's Lower School webpage.
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Middle School Academic Technology Curriculum
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The Cannon Middle School technology experience blends cutting edge technology with the skills needed to be successful in tomorrow’s workplace. Students engage in activities including 3D printing, virtual reality, drones, robotics, CAD design, and computer programing. These 21st century skills are integrated into a maker mentality which challenges kids to think outside the screen, work with their hands, and focus on group collaboration. Students use a variety of hand and power tools as a daily part of instruction. We take pride in exposing students to “shop class 2.0” which will encourage risk-taking and creativity.
Students often come to our technology space, the ThinkTank, as a part of their normal class schedule and explore activities directly related to their classroom curriculum. They also come to create self-guided projects that allow them to explore personal interests and practice autonomy. Our kids have created skateboard ramps, growling bedroom slippers, hydroponic gardens and more. Students and teachers are constantly learning together in this evolving technology space.
Students often come to our technology space, the ThinkTank, as a part of their normal class schedule and explore activities directly related to their classroom curriculum. They also come to create self-guided projects that allow them to explore personal interests and practice autonomy. Our kids have created skateboard ramps, growling bedroom slippers, hydroponic gardens and more. Students and teachers are constantly learning together in this evolving technology space.
Upper School Academic Technology Curriculum
The Upper School Technology curriculum puts a focus on students being able to adapt core learning principles to a variety of digital, physical, and process tools. The program is driven by student interest and allows them full ownership of their project and technology choices. Putting students in the driver’s seat of the design process provides them the opportunity to engage in deep learning experiences in topics about which they are passionate and excited, with an end result of a curriculum that exposes students to a wide range of specific skills and maintains an overarching emphasis on process-based learning and adaptability of skills.
Our current programs focus on a number of specific technology skills that are relevant to student interest. The curriculum this year focuses on the iterative design process, with a focus on empathy and design thinking. Throughout the year, students will explore 3D printing and modeling, interactive virtual storytelling, woodworking, rapid prototyping of aeronautics technologies, electronics and circuitry design, and coding in a number of application-specific languages. Built into the curriculum are opportunities for students to learn - and teach - about subjects of their own choosing, giving them practice in developing their own learning experiences, and sharing them with others. Throughout the year, students will engage in mini “maker projects” - one-day builds with a specific purpose, but limited time and resources in which to complete them. All in all, the broad “how do I learn to do this” skills that students regularly practice are able to be transferred to any piece of technology they encounter in or out of school.
Our current programs focus on a number of specific technology skills that are relevant to student interest. The curriculum this year focuses on the iterative design process, with a focus on empathy and design thinking. Throughout the year, students will explore 3D printing and modeling, interactive virtual storytelling, woodworking, rapid prototyping of aeronautics technologies, electronics and circuitry design, and coding in a number of application-specific languages. Built into the curriculum are opportunities for students to learn - and teach - about subjects of their own choosing, giving them practice in developing their own learning experiences, and sharing them with others. Throughout the year, students will engage in mini “maker projects” - one-day builds with a specific purpose, but limited time and resources in which to complete them. All in all, the broad “how do I learn to do this” skills that students regularly practice are able to be transferred to any piece of technology they encounter in or out of school.
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Cannon School
Phone: 704-786-8171 | Fax: 704-788-7779
