Applied Technology Magnet

The ATM program at Bancroft Middle School is one of the best in the district. The three-year program begins in 6th grade and continues every year through 8th grade. ATM students take a computer class as their elective every semester they are in middle school. By the time they complete the program, they will have learned incredibly advanced technical skills and will have used professional software that will prepare them to enter more advanced programs in high school and college. Students will be able to create movies, write computer code, 2D and 3D CAD designs, computer graphics, and web pages. They will be able to use the Internet wisely and literately and will have advanced word processing, keyboarding, and spreadsheet skills. In addition, they will be introduced to new technology and ways of thinking that are developing in our culture on an ongoing basis.

Qualifications for ATM

• Students enroll in the ATM program in the 6th grade. The ATM is a three year program. To qualify students must have:
• A real interest in technology
• Some experience on the computer (either at home or in elementary school)
• Proficient test scores
• Es and Ss in behavior
• The ATM program has a limited number of spaces. Students are randomly selected from all those that indicate ATM as a first choice on their elective form until the program is filled.
• Students must agree to a 3 year elective commitment.

ATM Program Intro to Computers 6

6th Grade Semester 1 Students learn computer related terms and identify computer hardware components. Students develop beginning and advanced word-processing, spreadsheet, and database skills including the correct use of the keyboard. Desktop publishing techniques incorporating graphics and text are taught. Students are introduced to computer code writing.  Appropriate technology skills will be utilized in order to conduct research to complete projects and prepare multimedia presentations.

Intermediate 6
6th Grade Semester 2

Students continue to practice word processing skills through the semester and will improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy. Advanced application of spreadsheet, presentation, and data base skills are taught. Students will apply technology knowledge to conduct research and complete core curriculum projects. Students are introduced to future technology such as blogging, wikkies, podcasting, and online communication. Online safety is taught and enforced.

Computer Graphics
7th Grade 1 Semester

This elective builds on previously learned computer skills. Students learn basic design elements by manipulating digital images and completing graphic design and desktop publishing projects such as photo editing, graphic, raster and vector projects, text effects, business cards and brochures. Students use Photoshop, InDesitn and Illustrator to create digital projects.

CAD-Computer Aided Drawing
7th Grade 1 Semester

Students explore and complete challenging engineering and computer projects including scale floor plans. This course of instruction is broad-based curriculum that explores communications, research skills, design concepts, and computer technology. Students use drawing, multimedia, word processing, desktop publishing, 2D and 3D CAD software, and vector tools to prepare for career level technology experiences. Code writing is continued in this course.

Multimedia 1
8th Grade Semester 1
Students apply their desktop publishing and CAD skills importing and editing digital images, text fields, and graphics creating electronic books and digital movies. Research, planning, layout, and storyboarding strategies are taught and utilized in creating multimedia presentations. Students learn intermediate animation skills and HTML code writing.

Web Design – Multimedia II
8th Grade Semester 2
Students explore the media of webpage construction and multimedia integration. Websites are evaluated to determine their effectiveness as communication tools.  Research, planning, layout, and storyboarding techniques are taught and utilized to create websites.  Graphics and video software and hardware will be used to create and edit images, movies, and animations for web pages. Students learn to create websites from scratch with professional software (Macromedia Dreamweaver and HTML) and see their work posted on the web.


Admission Criteria
Minimum of 2.0 Grade Point Average
Good attendance
Interest in technology
3 year commitment

Non ATM Technology ElectivesIntro to computers Identify computer hardware components and peripheral devices i.e. keyboard, mouse, printer, CD-ROM.  Students will develop beginning word-processing, spreadsheet, and database skills including the correct use of the keyboard. Desktop publishing techniques incorporating graphics and text in a document will be taught.  Appropriate technology skills will be utilized in order to conduct research to complete projects and prepare multimedia presentations.

Students learn computer related terms and identify computer hardware components. Students develop beginning and advanced word-processing, spreadsheet, and database skills including the correct use of the keyboard. Desktop publishing techniques incorporating graphics and text are taught.  Appropriate technology skills will be utilized in order to conduct research to complete projects and prepare multimedia presentations. Intermediate Computers Skills learned in Introduction to Computers will be reinforced and the next level of skills will be introduced including database skills and the development of spreadsheets. Students will continue to practice word-processing skills through the semester and will improve their speed and accuracy. Students will use appropriate terminology related to hardware and software throughout the semester. They will continue to deal with legal, social and ethical issues related to the use of computers in our daily life. This course will prepare students for the advanced level of technology in middle school.

Advanced Computers Students will create their own web page, which will showcase their proficiencies. Students will use appropriate technology skills to conduct research and complete core curriculum projects, e.g. historical research, scientific and math investigations, and language arts writing projects. Emphasis on desktop publishing will provide additional opportunities for students to demonstrate application of skills previously learned. Legal, social and ethical issues related to the use of computers in our daily life will continue to be reinforced.