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PROJECT
Way
Lead the
Mary Dunaway
Brandon Middle School strives to
ensure all students are provided many
opportunities to grow academically,
socially, and athletically. This year, we
are excited to introduce a new academic
program, Project Lead the Way. With
this new program, we are providing an
opportunity for students who are interested
in the field of computer science
to be introduced to advanced computer
science skills including app creation,
robotics, and design applications.
Many job opportunities available
today are in the field of computer
science but often remain unfilled due
to a lack of qualified applicants. We want
to encourage our students to pursue
their interest in computer science and
begin equipping them with the tools
necessary to step into the field as a
career. Project Lead the Way encourages
students to continue pursuing these
interests during their high school years
and at the college level.
This year, Brandon Middle School offers
both 7th grade and 8th grade units
of Project Lead the Way. In 7th grade,
students begin with Design and Modeling
along with Computer Science for
Innovators and Makers. In Design and
Modeling, students are introduced to
engineering concepts. They then apply
the process, aided by design software,
to create items such as a therapeutic toy
or games for children. Computer Science
for Innovators broadens students’ understanding
by combining hardware design
and software development to bring
student designs to life.
In 8th grade, students are introduced
to the world of robotics and mobile app
development through Automation and
Robotics and App Creators. In Automation
and Robotics, students design,
construct, and program VEX robots to
simulate real-world machines such as
an automated assembly line. In App
Creators, students learn to design, create,
and program mobile apps that can be
used to positively impact society.
This year, students in the program
will have the opportunity to tour the Nissan
plant in Canton and have visits from
engineers working at Raytheon. They
also participated in the Congressional
App Challenge, and one of our 7th-grade
students, Alston Tapley, placed 3rd in
District 3 with his mobile app.
We have 40 students in 7th grade
8th grades who are currently enrolled
in this program. Our hope is to increase
units allowing more students to participate.
Brandon Middle School would like
to invite the community and industry
leaders to be active participants in the
program through classroom visits and
sponsorships.
Please contact Brandon Middle School
for more information at 601-825-5998.
Hometown Brandon • 57