Tech Titans: Code, Create, Conquer!

9th Grade Project 4 weeks

Tech Titans: Code, Create, Conquer!

Mohammed Al Harthy

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Purpose

Students will collaboratively design and develop a tech-based product, such as a mobile app, that addresses a real-world problem identified through research and interaction with community partners like local businesses and IT companies. This project will enhance their coding skills and general computer knowledge while fostering creativity and teamwork. By engaging in this hands-on experience, students will learn to navigate the process of creating marketable tech solutions, culminating in a presentation of their product to peers and community stakeholders.

Learning goals

Students will develop foundational coding skills and enhance their understanding of general computer knowledge by creating a technology-based product, such as an app. They will collaborate effectively within their groups, applying creativity and problem-solving to design a marketable project. Through partnerships with local businesses and tech organizations, students will gain insights into real-world applications of technology. They will also refine their communication skills by presenting their projects and reflecting on their learning experiences through group meetings and essays.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.6: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
ISTE Standards for Students - 1.4 Innovative Designer: Students use a variety of technologies within a design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful, or imaginative solutions.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and develop a functional mobile app or web-based application that addresses a real-world problem or need identified through interactions with community partners such as local businesses or tech companies. Throughout the project, students will engage in coding activities and apply general computer knowledge to create a viable tech product. The final deliverable will be a polished app or tech solution, ready to be showcased during the exhibition phase, demonstrating both technical skills and creativity.

Launch

Kick off the project with a dynamic "Hackathon Day" where students form their groups and brainstorm ideas for a tech product that addresses a real-world problem. Invite a local tech entrepreneur to share insights on innovation and market needs, inspiring students to think creatively. Provide a brief workshop on basic coding principles and tools they'll use, setting the stage for their product development journey.

Exhibition

Students will present their tech product or app to an audience that includes local business leaders, representatives from IT companies, and Tech 901 partners. Each group will showcase their project through a live demonstration, highlighting the coding and creative processes involved. They will also prepare a brief pitch explaining the potential market value and impact of their product, allowing for questions and feedback from the audience. This exhibition will serve as a platform for students to articulate their learning journey and receive constructive insights from industry professionals.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Hackathon Day: Students form groups of 3-4 and brainstorm tech product ideas that address real-world problems with input from a local tech entrepreneur.	Workshop on Basic Coding Principles: Introduction to coding languages suitable for app development, such as Python or JavaScript.	Problem Identification: Groups conduct initial research on potential community needs by engaging with local business partners.	Design Thinking Session: Use design thinking principles to refine the problem statement and outline potential solutions.
Deliverables	1. Group Brainstorming Document: A summary of ideas generated during Hackathon Day with a selected project focus. 2. Problem Statement and Research Findings: A document detailing the identified real-world problem, initial research findings, and potential tech solutions.
Preparation	1. Arrange for a local tech entrepreneur to speak and inspire students during Hackathon Day. 2. Prepare materials and resources for the coding workshop, including tutorials and practice exercises. 3. Coordinate with community partners to provide students with information on local business needs. 4. Gather design thinking resources, such as templates and guides, to facilitate the design session.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Coding Workshop: Groups begin coding their tech product, focusing on foundational elements such as user interface design and basic functionality using the coding language introduced (e.g., Python or JavaScript).	Prototype Development: Students develop a low-fidelity prototype of their app or tech product, incorporating feedback from community partners gathered during Week 1.	Feedback Session: Conduct a peer review session where groups present their prototypes to each other for constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.	Iteration Session: Based on peer feedback, groups make necessary adjustments to their prototypes to better align with identified needs and improve functionality.
Deliverables	1. Low-Fidelity Prototype: A working model of the tech product that demonstrates initial coding efforts and basic functionality. 2. Feedback Summary Document: A summary of peer feedback received during the review session and a plan for addressing identified areas for improvement.
Preparation	1. Prepare resources for the coding workshop, including code examples, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides. 2. Coordinate with community partners to provide feedback on prototype designs if possible. 3. Set up a structured peer review process with guidelines and criteria to ensure constructive and focused feedback. 4. Ensure access to necessary software and tools for coding and prototype development.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Advanced Coding Session: Students focus on enhancing the functionality of their tech product by integrating more complex coding elements and features.	User Testing Session: Conduct a session where students test their product with a small group of peers or community members to gather user experience feedback.	Iteration and Improvement: Students analyze user testing feedback to make iterative improvements on their tech product, focusing on usability and efficiency.	Mid-Project Reflection: Groups participate in a reflection meeting to discuss progress, challenges, and strategies for finalizing their product.
Deliverables	1. Enhanced Product Version: A more developed iteration of the tech product with integrated user feedback and advanced features. 2. User Testing Feedback Report: A document summarizing the feedback received during the user testing session and the planned adjustments based on this feedback.
Preparation	1. Prepare advanced coding resources and examples to support students in implementing complex features. 2. Coordinate with a small group of peers or community members to participate in the user testing session. 3. Create guidelines and a template for students to use when collecting and analyzing user feedback. 4. Facilitate a structured reflection meeting with prompts to guide meaningful discussion on project progress.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Final Coding Session: Students finalize the coding for their tech product, ensuring all features are functional and user-friendly.	Presentation Preparation: Groups work on creating a compelling presentation that includes a live demo of their product, emphasizing its marketability and impact.	Exhibition Rehearsal: Conduct a practice session where groups present to their classmates, receiving last-minute feedback to refine their pitch and demo.	Reflection and Feedback Discussion: Groups meet to reflect on their project journey, discussing what they learned and how they can apply these skills in the future.
Deliverables	1. Completed Tech Product: A fully functional app or tech solution ready for demonstration. 2. Presentation and Pitch: A well-structured presentation that includes a live demo and a pitch highlighting the product's market value. 3. Reflection Essay: A written piece where students individually reflect on their project experience, learning outcomes, and future applications.
Preparation	1. Ensure all technical equipment is prepared for presentations, including projectors and necessary software. 2. Arrange for community partners and stakeholders to attend the final exhibition. 3. Provide a template or outline for the reflection essay to guide students in structuring their thoughts. 4. Organize a schedule for exhibition rehearsal sessions, ensuring each group has time to practice and receive feedback.