Hello, my name is LeAnn Ray, and I teach Engineering and Technology for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. I have students for a semester at a time and during that time our main focus is learning about the engineering design process. Work ethic and leadership skills are always taught to all three grade levels, also. Even though my students are in middle school it is never to early to teach them the importance of work ethics and leadership skills, that they will soon need to use in the workforce.
My 6th grade classes are introduced to the world of engineering through several hands-on-projects. The students are given the opportunity to use their problem-solving skills to solve design challenges. My 7th grade classes focus on inventions and innovations, where the students learn about the history of flight and catapults. My 8th grade classes focus on the universal systems model, and their big project is building a roller coaster. All of my classes also have the chance to complete a module that focuses on a specific type of technology; for example, video broadcasting, manufacturing, construction, transportation, and engineering. The engineering and technology classes are very hands-on and are truly STEM in action. In this new world of teaching virtually, some of the above projects and modules will be modified for the virtual setting.
I am also the advisor for our Technology Student Association (TSA) and the BMS Media Staff. For more information about those two extra-curricular activities, please visit our "Extra Curricular" page.
