Technology/Engineering
Course Theme: Technology is the result of engineered designs
created to solve society’s needs and desires.
Science, too, often needs new tools to help discover answers. The goal
of engineering is to solve practical problems through the development or use of
technologies. Engineers use scientific
discoveries to design products that meet these needs. The
Technology/Engineering course works in conjunction with the three years of
classroom science to expand the students’ capacity to answer the question, How do Technology and Engineering affect my world?
Note: This course is offered two times per six day cycle, and is considered a ”special” course offering.
Students take the course every year in order to build a cumulative
understanding of some of the processes and place of engineering technology.
Broad Concepts: Over the course of 3 years, students will explore
several engineering concepts; they will know:
·
How and why certain materials are chosen to solve problems
·
How technology assists the physically challenged
·
How the earth’s natural factors influence construction technology
·
The ways in which design, engineering and technology are directly
connected
·
How items are designed, manufactured, and marketed
·
That manufacturing is the process of converting raw materials into a
finished product that has undergone multiple industrial processes
Specific Content Integration
With Science Class:
Students will know
·
Grade 6:
-
Steps to take in identifying the need or problem
-
Descriptions of the basic tools and machines necessary for bridge
construction
-
the basic materials necessary for bridge construction
-
The explanation for why these materials are the best choices for the
job
-
The four types of bridges and where they would best be used
-
Descriptions of the oldest types of bridges
·
Grade 7:
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Three examples of adaptive devices for the physically challenged
-
How these devices improve the conditions for the user
-
The technologies that go into the creation of these devices
-
Why the materials used in the manufacture of this product are chosen
·
Grade 8:
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Five natural factors that affect design and technology of construction
-
How these factors may be addressed in the construction process
-
Why certain materials are selected for use in specific construction
Specific Skills: Students will be able to
·
Successfully construct a bridge
·
Successfully design and manufacture an adaptive device for the
physically challenged
·
Successfully design and construct an earthquake-proof structure
General Engineering
Skills: Students will be able to
·
Use precision tools properly
·
Use hand and power tools properly
·
Create a perspective drawing
Materials: Experiencing
Technology,
Glencoe, 1997
Teaching Methods:
·
Class discussion
·
Demonstration
·
Use of prototypes and models
·
Group and individual work
Integration of Technology:
·
PowerPoint presentations
·
WebQuests for research and product design
·
Drawing links to C.A.D.-C.A.M.
Assessment & Grading:
·
A Pass/Fail grading system is used
·
Rubrics are used for end-of-course projects
·
Individual and group grading