Hello,
I am a high school math teacher in Wisconsin. This is the first year that I have taught SolidWorks as a class. I would like to offer this as a math credit, and I am wondering if anyone else does? Do you happen to have the standards that you used to prove it is a math credit?
Thanks
Dani
I guess my perspective is that it actually contains a lot of math to be able to use to the software. Might not be Advanced Algebra or beyond type of math, but a technical math, or real world math applications type course can definitely be found within.
Not really 100% related but I let my son in Junior High play a lot with SW and use it to verify some of the math (geometry) problems
However, I think it's good start to understand the concept of point, line and plane
My son is in the same situation and the triangles and radii in CAD really help him to relate it to the real world!
This would be a 3rd or 4th credit option for students. So, it would be taken after Geometry.
One doesn't need to know math well to use SolidWorks.
this is why I'm curious how would this by used....
This is like saying that you don't need to know math well in order to do Computer Science. Which is a true statement, however, the "math" that is involved with Computer Science, you do need to know. However, with that being said, a student can earn math credit within an AP Computer science course. Same with certain Tech Ed courses. The relevancy of needing to know math well does not determine whether or not math credit should be given.
Will a student learn Advanced Algebra in this course? No. However, they will build their critical thinking, problem solving and much more in this course. Further, the math that is used in this course would be similar to that you would teach in a "tech math" course, with use of decimals, fractions, equivalency, and more.
I am trying to find others that have been able to do this, as I know it has been done and try to get their help.
I'd think back to my HS calc classes.... Integrating equations/functions in order to find area/plotting/etc and then moving into the 3D side of it finding volume. Same with surface area of plotted surfaces. Or even the boolean functions..... Maybe not a course totally in SW, but using SW to help visualize those things.
I would love to be able to do this, but at this time, I don't feel it would work well. Scheduling is always a nightmare. So, at this time, SolidWorks will be it's own class. Each year I want to incorporate more into it, of course. This year, we did a small project with a Science class. The other problem is that I don't foresee a lot of "overlap" between the students I will have in STEAM/Solidworks, and those that take Calc. Maybe at some point.
I think kids build up their logical thinking over the years by learning math
you might not need to know match well to do computer science; however, the logical thinking is the key to be a good programmer.
If it needs to be categorized as something I guess Math would be the best choice. It's not Vocabulary, Art, Science, or Social Studies.
The forum =
Vocabulary, Art, Science, or Social Studies.
& Math
SolidWorks could be taught / categorized the same way as shop class is/was.
It's use could be attributed to vocational at the HS level.
My nephew who is now 9 years old was shown SolidWorks last year at his school.
SolidWorks is an engineering application. Taught in colleges Engineering programs at the frosh level, often second semester.
That's a good point. It is more vocational than traditional subjects.
Years ago was not Drafting Taught in the Arts Department. Think that was why I took it in Highschool. But that was many years ago(1974).
I would say teaching SW or any CAD would be more appropriate for an industrial arts or vocational credit. While it is a skill that requires math and reinforces nascent math skills, I think one would be hard pressed to call it "math".
The one way I could see this working as a math course is if the curriculum was designed to teach and illustrate advanced math concepts. This would be a departure from traditional CAD courses, but has interesting possibilities. Imagine kids learning how to make involute gear teeth and hyperboloid cooling towers!
I have always maintained that the bulk of skills I needed to be an effective 3D CAD user I learned in 9th grade geometry (thanks Mr. DeDecker!).
Go Neenah Rockets!!!
Neenah.......land of manhole covers.
the same
I went to a vocational school for my junior/senior year in high school to a CAD class. First year students where taught drafting basics, drawing standards, proper annotation, how to set up title blocks, how to read drawings (a skill i wish more people had) and stuff like that. After your first year you could go to the architecture side of the class which used autocad, or you could go to the engineering side of the class which used inventor. then they taught you specifics of that particular trade floorplans/reverse engineering, etc. they offered this to me as one math credit per semester both years. Using solidworks would be similar to the inventor half of the class so i don't see any reason you shouldn't be able to do it. A lot of Career centers and vocational schools offer something like this, you may find help talking to some around you to get an idea of how they go about setting it all up.
I live in a very rural area, but this is a great idea. I will see what I can do. Thank you.
just curious, but how does this relate to math?