MAJOR CONCEPTS TO BE ADDRESSED
 

• People study about technology because much of human process has occurred as a result of technological development.

• Work, job opportunities, and careers are in constant change because of the evolution of technology.

• People’s routines are influenced by technology.

• People create and use technology as a means of satisfying basic biological, physical, and psychological needs and wants.

• Information technology satisfies our need to communicate ideas and process information.

• Biological related technology seeks to satisfy our many biological needs; it promotes, enhances, and supports the advancement of the improved quality of life.

• Physical technologies satisfy many physical needs through the construction of shelter, transportation of people goods, and production of clothing and other necessities.

• Complex Technologies develop from more simple technologies, and the development is a constantly evolving process.

• Technology has existed for over one million years; it is growing at a faster rate today than ever before in history.

• The development of technology results in a greater and more rapid production of goods and communication of information

• Every technological development is dependent upon the utilization of seven resources: people, time, tools and machines, materials, energy, capital, and materials.

• Solutions to technological problems require the development of skills in using all seven resources.

• The development and use of technology are influenced by the culture and by the resources available to that society.

• Global resources are finite, requiring discretion in their use and ultimately the identification of alternatives.

• There are formalized methods (systems) used to solve technological problems or make technological decisions.

• The problem-solving process includes design (planning) and implementation.

• An important part of the problem-solving process Involves the generation of alternatives and the search for optimal solution(s).

• Optimization of a solution normally requires trade-offs in order to best meet the specified criteria.

• Modeling techniques are very useful problem solving aids.

• Some problems cannot be solved by technology because of constraints imposed by the scientific principles, resource limitations, and constraints resulting from people’s values and attitudes.

• People design systems to satisfy their needs and wants.

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INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS FOR
GRADES SIX, SEVEN, AND EIGHT
 

• Students will learn about the impacts of technology through hands on experiments and create research reports by traditional methods and with computer applications.

• Students will be given the opportunity to engage in hands-on problem solving activities using the seven resources of technology in a safe laboratory setting.

• Students will be instructed in the safe use of simple hand tools. (power tools will be included in grades seven and where appropriate)

• Students will use tools only after receiving safety instruction and demonstrating responsible behavior during the simpler activities given during the first two weeks of class.

• Students will be exposed to a number of activities that will encompass the three aspects of global technology:  (Biological, Physical, and Information Technologies)

• Students will have the opportunity to design and construct a project from traditional materials such as clay and wood.

• Students will be given the chance to invent and reinvent simple machines through problem solving activities.

• When possible, other middle school disciplines will be integrated during technology education activities.

• All available resources will be incorporated to allow the middle school students to experience technology

• Students will have the opportunity to interact with guest speakers from local companies.

• Students will learn a definition of Technology.

INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION STUDENTS
 

•  Paper Tower Problem
•  Balloon String Problem
•  Learning to design through technical sketching
•  Create a technical drawing of a simple product
•  Learn and practice proper hand and power tool safety procedures
•  Crosscut a block of wood (hand saw)
•  Drill a hole (brace and bit)
•  Learn the name and function of audio and video equipment
•  Create a video production
•  Create a stop-action animation video production
•  Making a Audio Commercial (Radio)
•  Using a Camcorder for Visual Project
•  Creating and recording a public service announcement
•  Experience problem solving through team work
•  Working on a class Technology Time Line Project
•  Design, construct, and test a simple structure such as a beam, mini bridge, or ladder
•  Mousetrap racer problem solving competition
•  Follow instructions to correctly wire an electronic project
•  Use the Car Builder program to design and test a car
•  Study aerodynamics as it relates to rocketry
•  Follow instructions to correctly build a working model rocket
•  Build and test an air-powered vehicle using a limited supply of materials
•  Design and build a self-supporting cardboard structure

SUPPLEMENTAL STRUCTURED ACTIVITIES:
PAXTON-PATTERSON TECHNOLOGY MODULES
 

Video Production

Visual Communications

Computer Graphics an Animation

Computer Aided Drafting

Aerodynamics Technology

Rocketry and Flight

Research and development

Energy, Power and Transportation

Structural Technology

Electricity and Electronics

Internet Research Station

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