Towles Middle School - New Tech
What is New Tech?
The Project-Based Learning (PBL) that we do at New Tech focuses on facilitators creating real-world projects that have authentic products (real-world solutions). Students are presented with a problem for which they will then have to create a solution. The environment our students have at school is based on the principles of trust, respect, and responsibility.
What is problem-based learning?
(PBL) is a student-centered approach in which students learn about a subject by working in groups to solve an open-ended problem.
The problem is what drives the motivation and the learning.
Rather than teaching relevant material and subsequently having students apply the knowledge to solve problems, the problem is presented first. Students generally must:
- Examine and define the problem.
- Explore what they already know about underlying issues related to it.
- Determine what they need to learn and where they can acquire the information and tools necessary to solve the problem.
- Evaluate possible ways to solve the problem.
- Solve the problem.
- Report on their findings.
PBL assignments can be short, or they can be more involved and take up to a whole semester. Most PBLs at Towles New Tech run between three and four weeks. PBL is often group oriented, so it is beneficial to set aside classroom time to prepare students to work in teams and to allow them to engage in their PBL project.
We’re Big on Community!
We believe that authentic projects allow our students to engage and produce culminating products for use within our local community. See some of our local partnerships below:
Courses Offered
Math
- Mathematics 7
- Mathematics 8
- Math Tier Support
- Algebra I
Science
- 7th Grade Science
- 8th Grade Science
Language Arts
- 7th Grade Language Arts
- 8th Grade Language Arts
- Creative Writing
- Reading and Writing Tier Support
Social Studies
- 7th Grade Social Studies
- 8th Grade Social Studies
Related Arts
- Exploring Spanish
- Spanish 1 - High School Credit
- Art & Technology
- Engineering and Technology - Coding
- Engineering and Technology - CANstruction
- Physical Education
- Art
- Advanced Art
- Choir
- Band
- Digital Citizenship
- Music Technology and Composition
- Guitar
- Dance
Extra-Curricular Activities
Art Club
Band
CANstruction
Academic Teams
Student Advisory
Writing Center
Athletics
Fall
- Cross Country
- Volleyball
- Football
Winter
- Basketball
- Cheerleading
Spring
- Soccer
- Track
Towles New Tech Middle School Highlights
National Highlights:
2018 - Award for Teaching Excellence Teacher - Carissa Richardson Lahrman
2017 - Published Author - Derek Leininger
2016-2017 New Tech Network Demonstration Site
State Highlights:
2019 - Social Studies Academic Team - State Top 10
2018 - Interdisciplinary Academic Team - State Runners Up
2018 - Social Studies Academic Team - State 4th Place
2017 - Indiana Art Teacher of the Year - Ashley Toy
2017 - Hoosier Educator of the Year - Carissa Richardson Lahrman
2017 - Hoosier Science Fair - Agricultural Award Winner
Local/Regional Highlights:
2019 - Academic Team Division Grand Champions
2019 - Science Academic Team Division Champions
2019 - Social Studies Academic Team Division Champions
2019 - Interdisciplinary Team Division Champions
2018 - October Journal Gazette Teacher Honor Roll - Tyler Sellhorn
2018 - CANstruction Competition People’s Choice Award Winner
2018 - CANstruction Competition Judge’s Choice Winner
2018 - CANstruction Competition Most Cans in Structure
2018 - Science Academic Team Division Champions
2018 - Social Studies Academic Team Division Champions
2018 - English Academic Team Division Champions
2018 - Interdisciplinary Team Division Champions
2018 - JA Economics for Success Writing Contest Winner
2018 - Scholastic Gold Key, Silver Key, & Honorable Mention Recipients
2018 - Boys Basketball City Champions
2017 - CANstruction People’s Choice Award Winner
2017 - JA Economics for Success Writing Contest Winner
2017 - Boys Basketball City Champions
2016 - Boys Basketball City Runner-up
2015 - Girls Basketball City Champions