Computer literacy/engineering options for 8th grade Science

[ByGrace3]

My ds is interested in a career in engineering. He was on a FIRST LEGO League team for the last two years and it doesn't look like they will have a team this year. I would love for him to do something for "science" this year that he loves even remotely as much as FLL. He has done many if not close to all of the EV3 online lessons. I have looked at Masterbooks Applied Engineering course and while I think he would like the content, there is nothing hands on or engaging. I saw a robotics program 42 electronics, and that is a possibility. He is not very computer savvy and could definitely benefit from a class in computer literacy. (he does typing.com). Any other fantastic options for engineering or computer literacy? In the future he may like to do some classes in CAD and maybe get certified, but I think he needs to be a little more adept in computers before that. 

Any great ideas?

[Lori D.]

If wanting a more traditional Science, Physics absolutely is the bedrock science for engineering. What about this online full-year class for gr. 8-12, that is NON-math-based, and is offered by Jetta (Morning Glory of these boards), with lots of hands-on, plus video support:

Clover Creek Conceptual Physics
 

For an elective in Computer Science (not a Science credit), what about learning to Code? Free resources:
- Code Academy
- Code.org
- Khan Academy
- Code Combat
- Code Monster 

If needing more Computer skills, what about running through one of these lists of info/skills first, and then learn to code:
- Typing.com: Computer Basics
- Norton Security: Computer Guide for Students

Also, more of a self-exploration type of software but these all involve engineering in a simple form:
- Kerbal Space Program - fantastic game/software for creating vehicles and completing missions into space
- Tinker CAD - beginning/exploration CAD program for turning ideas into blueprints/designs

Some hands-on engineering possibilities:
- Make, Do
- Tinker Crate or Maker Crate or Eureka Crate
- Lego MindStorm
- Raspberry Pi projects
- electronics kits

Edited May 23, 2020 by Lori D.

[Alte Veste Academy]

21 hours ago, Lori D. said:

If wanting a more traditional Science, Physics absolutely is the bedrock science for engineering. What about this online full-year class for gr. 8-12, that is NON-math-based, and is offered by Jetta (Morning Glory of these boards), with lots of hands-on, plus video support:

Clover Creek Conceptual Physics

Just to be clear, Clover Creek Physics is amazing, the best online class my DS17 has ever had, but it is algebra-based physics. She does use the Conceptual Physics book, which is non-math based, but she adds lots of algebra-based problems to it. The homework and tests are actually pretty math intensive.

Edited May 24, 2020 by Alte Veste Academy

[Alte Veste Academy]

PA Homeschoolers is offering an intro to computer science class for 6th grade and up. I don't know about it personally, but it will have a teacher as a guide, with a live weekly class. She is going to use code.org resources. 

I'm looking at Creation Crate as a fun electronics/STEM add-on for science this year.

[Lori D.]

1 hour ago, Alte Veste Academy said:

Just to be clear, Clover Creek Physics is amazing, the best online class my DS17 has ever had, but it is algebra-based physics. She does use the Conceptual Physics book, which is non-math based, but she adds lots of algebra-based problems too it. The homework and tests are actually pretty math intensive.

Thanks for that clarification -- I was thinking of the Conceptual Physics text itself. 😉