About the Program

 

 

 

 

 

To attend this program, parents must apply online during the application period in January or apply through the late application process.  Please visit www.pcsb.org/DAP for additional application information.

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Azalea MS Academy of Engineering is a project-based learning experience.  Students will work together in teams on each project while fulfilling different roles.  At the conclusion to each project, groups will present their work to the class.  This type of approach to learning fosters leadership skills, project management skills, communication, professionalism, and accountability.  These professional "soft skills" are highly valued in today's workplace environments.  Through completing the various group projects, students will also learn many practical skills including: skills with hand tools, soldering, digital circuit design, chemical reactions, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), 3D Printing, Microsoft Office, Autodesk Inventor*, modeling and constructing techniques, coding, robotics, and more!  

*Students have the option to become professionally certified in Autodesk Inventor, a widely used industry software.

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6th Grade

Exploration of Technology — Science impacts the technology of yesterday, today, and the future.  In this unit, students apply the concepts of physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology to activities and projects, including making ice cream, cleaning up an oil spill, and designing a rollercoaster.  Students investigate the history of technological advancements and their effects on society.  They learn all the stages of the Engineering Design Process and how to apply it to completing projects.  

Exploration of Electronics — In this unit, students examine the parts of an atom, the periodic table, where electricity comes from, and the types of electricity, as well as the impact of electricity on society and the world.  They learn skills in basic circuitry design, including digital circuits, and use what they know to build and solder their own circuits from scratch!  They learn to use modern professional instruments like multi-meters and oscilloscopes.

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7th Grade

Exploration of Technical Design — Students discover the design process and develop a practical understanding of technical drawing, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), 3D printing, and rapid prototyping.  They are then challenged and empowered to use and apply what they've learned to create business and manufacturing models to innovate the future of our world!  *Students have the option to become professionally certified in Autodesk Inventor, a widely used industry software.

Exploration of Power and Energy - The purpose of this program is to provide students with a foundation of knowledge and technically oriented experiences in the study of power and energy technology.  This program focuses on transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the technological tools, machines, instruments, materials, processes and systems in business and industry.  The content includes, but is not limited to, a study of power systems and the kinds and sources of energy.  The content and activities will also include the study of entrepreneurship, safety, and leadership skills.  

 

8th Grade

Exploration of Robotics — Students learn about the mechanisms and electronics that automate modern systems.  Through exploring their creativity in robot design, students develop and understanding of mechanics, coding, and automation.  Students will explore the application of Artificial Intelligence in the field of robotics.  They will become proficient in the use of VEX robotics systems, Lego Spike Prime systems, Lego AI and Computer Science systems, MicroBit systems, Microsoft MakeCode, and more!

Capstone Project -- To prepare students for success in technical education programs in High School and College, their final semester at the Academy of Engineering will be dedicated to completing a capstone entrepreneurial project.  They will begin by researching the background, history, legalities, and social impact of their project idea in the 8th Grade History class and enter their research project into the Pinellas County National History Day Competition.  Then they will enter their innovation project idea into a entrepreneur competition, in which the top ideas and project leaders will be chosen.  Project leaders will assemble student project teams and assign roles and tasks.  Project groups will then work together to develop and test their first prototype.  They will collaborate with their Math and Science teachers to research the necessary knowledge and skills to build and test their prototype.  After working through phases of test and improving, they will design a plan for the manufacturing, shipping, and marketing of their product.  Each group will present their Capstone Project to the parents, students, and staff at a special assembly at the end of the year.