Technology Education

.5 credit                   Grades 9, 10, 11, 12             S1, S2

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Requirement Area: Open STEAM

This course will introduce students to STEM and connect selective components of STEM with a hands-on, problem-solving approach to working on project-based learning activities. Students will learn the practical applications of hand tools, power tools, and power equipment in the Technology Education laboratory. Initial units of study will focus on the proper usage of and safety procedures for each tool and piece of equipment in the laboratory. Students will create individual projects after going through the Engineering Design Process of identifying a problem, brainstorming, planning, creating, troubleshooting, and, ultimately, manufacturing using the industrial equipment in the classroom. Samples of initial hands-on projects students may create include small furniture, lamps, clocks, skateboards, and baseball bats. During their initial units of study, students will be introduced to additive and subtractive manufacturing using industrial grade machinery and CAD (Computer Assisted Design) software.

Later in the semester, students will participate in an engineering challenge where the objective is to design and construct the most durable structure where students will utilize the least amount of material in an attempt to support the greatest amount of weight. Later units of study will include an aerodynamics component where students design and construct a CO2 dragster or rocket from scratch, test it in an aerodynamic wind tunnel, and launch it. Throughout the semester, students will use critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation to work on activities that are transferable to real world applications.

.5 credit                   Grades 9, 10, 11, 12             S1, S2

Prerequisite: Technology Education 1

Graduation Requirement Area: Open STEAM

This course is a continuation of Technology Education 1 and is designed to provide students greater independence and discretion to research and develop preferred technological interests in a laboratory setting. The course provides a deeper exploration into the application of previous technical skills learned. Architectural design and construction will be introduced utilizing scaled-size model houses. Students will work with a computerized 3D printer and computerized laser printer/engraver. Additional topics and units of study in this course include communication technology and injection molding. Projects include but are not limited to building and racing a CO2-powered vehicle and creating a steam turbine-powered engine and measuring its electrical output.

Upon teacher approval, students will have the opportunity to participate in an exploratory unit geared to their specific interest(s). Examples of prior projects include rebuilding small gas engines and electrical wiring/circuit building. Throughout the semester, students will use critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation to work on activities that are transferable to real world applications.

.5 credit                   Grades 10, 11, 12                 S1, S2

Prerequisite: Technology Education 2 and course instructor’s recommendation

Graduation Requirement Area: Open STEAM

Students who have successfully completed Technology Education 1 and 2 may take Advanced Technology Education to pursue the creation of projects geared toward their individual interests and application of skills and aptitudes learned from their prior Technology Education courses. Prior to enrollment, students must meet with the Technology Education teacher to discuss plans and ideas. The Technology Education teacher and the department coordinator will grant approval for enrollment in this class.