Technology

Technology 6

Meets one out of three days in the A/B/C rotation for  40 weeks

Grade 6 Technology Education – Course Overview
This course introduces students to Technology Education with embedded Computer Science through hands-on, project-based learning. Students design, create, code, and solve problems while learning how digital tools support creativity, communication, and innovation. They use tools such as Google Workspace applications, multimedia software, coding platforms like Code.org, and CAD software such as Autodesk Fusion. Students also begin developing a digital portfolio aligned with the Profile of a Shenendehowa Middle School Student.

• Introduction to Graphics.
  Students learn the basics of digital drawing and design using tools such as Google Drawings and Microsoft Paint. They explore elements of design including line, shape, color, and layout while creating simple graphics, logos, and visual messages.

• Student Websites and Digital Portfolio.
  Students design and organize a personal website to showcase their work. They practice formatting text, adding images and multimedia, creating hyperlinks, and organizing content clearly.

• Computer Safety and Digital Citizenship.
  Students learn responsible and safe technology use, including recognizing online risks such as cyberbullying and identity theft. They explore intellectual property, ethical behavior online, and create a presentation or video public service announcement about internet safety.

• What is Technology?
  Students explore how technology affects daily life and society. They research a technological invention, examine positive and negative impacts, and present their findings.

• Keyboarding Text entry and computer interfacing.
  Students practice proper typing posture and hand placement while improving typing speed and accuracy. They also develop basic computer navigation and file management skills.

• Computer coding and programming.
  Students are introduced to programming concepts using platforms such as Code.org. They learn basic coding logic, sequencing, and debugging while creating simple programs.

• Computer hardware.
  Students learn how computers work by identifying major hardware components such as the CPU, memory, storage, and input/output devices, and understanding how hardware and software interact.

• CAD sketching and 3D modeling.
  Students explore engineering design through computer-aided design using Autodesk Fusion. They create sketches, build 3D models, develop assemblies, and prepare designs for 3D printing while developing spatial and problem-solving skills.

Course Outcome.

By the end of the course, students gain practical technology skills including graphic design, website development, safe internet use, keyboarding, coding, computer hardware understanding, and basic 3D modeling. These experiences help prepare students for future learning in technology, engineering, and digital design. 

Technology 7

20 week program, meets two out of three days on an  A/B/C rotation

In this 10-week exploratory course (A/B/C rotation), students construct projects, experiment, and research using industrial materials, tools, and software. Through hands-on learning, students discover how technology improves human well-being. Topics include the seven resources of technology, problem-solving, and the impact of technological systems on people and the environment.

Content and Theme Modules

• Problem Solving & Innovation (Engineering Design): Students learn how technology solves problems through CAD modeling. Using Autodesk Inventor—an industry-standard program—students design, build, and evaluate digital prototypes.

• Sustainability (Technological Systems): Students analyze the seven resources of technology (capital, energy, information, materials, people, time, and tools) and how these systems affect society and the environment.

• Career & Community (Materials Processing): Students gain career-aligned skills through materials processing and laser engraving. Projects focus on designing and building using professional-grade tools and equipment.

• Health, Safety, & Wellness (Energy & Control): Students construct a small electric car model to explore power systems and mechanical design, focusing on safety and the role of technology in enhancing human life.

Course Outcome Students leave Technology 7 with the ability to design, build, and evaluate physical projects using Autodesk Inventor and modern shop equipment, gaining a practical understanding of the "Designed World."

Grade 8 Technology

20 week program, meets two out of three days on an A/B/C rotation 

Our 8th grade technology program empowers students to become confident problem-solvers, creative designers, and safety-conscious innovators. Through a comprehensive blend of measurement and hands-on skills, woodworking craftsmanship, digital design, and engineering challenges, students develop both technical abilities and critical thinking skills that prepare them for high school coursework and future college & career pathways.

Students will experience:

• Design- Students learn to identify project criteria and constraints to design thoughtful solutions. They explore engineering and artistic approaches, practice technical drawing to communicate ideas clearly, and develop troubleshooting and maintenance skills. Through collaboration, they build real-world problem-solving abilities that extend beyond the classroom.

• Exploring Trade and Technical Careers- Students are introduced to a variety of trade and technical careers—such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, IT, and the arts. They explore their strengths and interests while learning key workplace and technical skills that prepare them for future career paths.

• Safety in Trade and Technical Fields- Students learn why safety is essential in workshop and technical careers. They study common hazards, proper tool use, protective equipment, and emergency response. Students must pass safety competency assessments before using machines and learn to identify workplace hazards to help create a safe working environment.

• Measurement in Trade and Technical Fields- Students learn the importance of accurate measurement in woodshop and other trades. They explore measurement systems and tools, practice taking precise measurements, and connect these skills to real-world technical careers through hands-on activities.

• Real World Situations- Learning extends beyond the classroom through hands-on projects that mirror authentic workplace challenges, adapted to available time, tools, materials, and equipment. Students gain insight into local trades and industries while tackling design challenges that require practical problem-solving skills. This approach ensures that classroom concepts directly connect to the real work professionals perform every day.

Twenty first century skills are developed throughout this 20 week course and projects that they experience will vary based on time, tools, and equipment. 

Accelerated Technology

40 weeks, daily program

Accelerated Technology electives are offered before school during period zero.  The courses are held either at the middle school or at High School West.  They are full year courses that meet every day of the school week.  Attendance is mandatory and the course grade is listed on the student’s high school transcript.  The number of sections of each course will be determined by student interest and available staffing resources.  Interested students may apply for one of the following two following:

DDE – Design and Drawing for Engineering

Course Description

Design and Drawing for Engineering (Honors) is the first course in the Pre-Engineering sequence.  Students who are interested in engineering as a career should take this course.  In DDE students are challenged to solve interesting design problems using a systematic design process.  An emphasis is placed on communicating design ideas through drawings or graphical models.  Students begin with sketches and continually refine their design ideas through sketching and ultimately resulting in a computer generated model.  These models are created using powerful, state of the art CAD software.  Students also use the 3-D solid modeling software to analyze their designs for function and structural integrity.  This requires a basic understanding of material properties and fundamental mechanical design concepts. A sample project might be to design a car that uses the energy provided by a mouse trap to travel a maximum distance. In order to solve this problem effectively, students need to understand simple machines and how they affect mechanical advantage.  Students begin by exploring simple machines and how they are used in a variety of applications.  Next they evaluate what types of simple machines can be used to make their mousetrap car travel a longer distance.  Students then design, construct and test their car to evaluate its performance.  In addition to focusing on the design process, DDE also exposes students to various career opportunities in the field of engineering. 

**This course meets the graduation requirement for one unit of art or music.