All students are required to satisfactorily complete all of their lab activities, which include but are not limited to, research questions, projects/experiments, math work, test, and journal activities. Instructional delivery is given through lectures, demonstrations, videos, computers, instructional manuals, and various pieces of equipment used in their experiments. The instructor is a facilitator who coordinates, helps, oversees, and encourages the progress of each student.

• Comprehend the dynamics of technology, including its development, impact, and potential.

• Employ basic skills and the technological processes of problem solving utilizing the design cycle and its four elements: Investigate, Plan, Create a product/solution, and Evaluate.

• Analyze technological systems and subsystems, including the tools, materials, processes, energy, information, and people involved in systems.

• Apply scientific principles, engineering concepts, and technological systems in the processes of technology.

• Interlock experiences with all other curriculum areas.

• Create an awareness of quality work, effective use of class time, safety, and organization, following procedures, working in teams, and finishing an assigned task.

Students are expected to bring the following to class each day:

• spiral notebook (to be used for all electives throughout the year)

• writing utensils (#2 pencil), paper, black pen

All students will be expected to complete a general safety test, a series of safety tests on specific tools and equipment, or both.

1. Students must pass appropriate written safety test(s) with a raw score 100%.

2. A safety policy and procedure sheet will be provided and will need a signature by a parent or guardian.

3. Students must complete a practical assessment of the equipment. Students can only operate equipment or power tools after the above is done.

The overall letter grade is based on HCPS grading scale found on the HCPS website. The student/s grade will be determined by using the following categories and percentages:

• 35%   Tests/Projects 

• 30%    Quiz 

• 10%    Independent Practice 

• 25%    Classwork 

Below is a summary outline of the course, major projects, and plans for instructional delivery. All students will be required to participate in the topics or units listed. Students will complete challenges and modules as they proceed through various units or topics. Major course projects may vary.

1. Introduction to Course and Creative Invention Activity, Getting to Know You, PBIS, Lab Introductions, Class Procedures, Safety Procedures & Testing, Student organization (TSA)

2. Introduction to Technology & Engineering: What is Technology?, Areas of Technology, Research on Technological careers, Emerging and Predicting Technologies, Transforming Resources into Technology

3. Engineering Design Process

4. Measurement & Sketching: Floor Plan, Architectural Model Designs

5. Architecture & Building and Construction Technology: Straw Tower Challenge

6. Information and Communication Technology – Micro:bits, Snap Circuits

7. Sail Car Challenge

8. Aerospace Technology: NASA-based instruction with Straw Rockets, Simple Machines, and Compound Machines

9. Alternative Energy: Building a Wind Turbine (Project), Solar Structures & Transportation

Workplace readiness skills are experienced throughout the course.