Summary
Technology Education is a program of instruction designed to develop an understanding of systems in fields such as production, construction, energy and communications by emphasizing applied activities by working with tools, machines and devices used in the home and the work place. The focus of the program will be on promoting an understanding of the impact of technology on society, and developing the perception that people have both the capability and the responsibility to control technology.
Course offerings may change to reflect the ever changing technologies our students may use in the future.
Through hands-on activities, which stress the application of mathematical and scientific concepts, Technology Education can help to clarify and reinforce basic skills, and bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Technology Education Course Descriptions
Design and Drawing for Production
Grades 9 – 12
1 credit, 1 Art credit
This course emphasizes creative problem solving, designing, and technical drawing. Emphasis is based on the approach used in business and industry to develop new products. Students develop solutions that are researched, sketched, refined and rendered as technical drawings. Basic elements of design and the six basic areas of technical drawing are included.
Materials Processing I & II
Grades 9 – 12
½ credit
These courses provide a broad, generic view of the way raw materials are processed into useful products. Various methods of processing are explored; they include forming, separating, combining and conditioning. Students investigate these processing concepts through hands-on activities using a variety of materials.
Architectural Drawing
Grades 10 – 12
1 credit
This course is a study of design and drafting related to building construction. Topics include culture and history, tools and techniques, lettering and dimensioning, preparation of site, and the development of floor, elevation, section, and perspective drawings.
Technical Drawing
Grades 10 – 12
1 credit
A continuation of Design and Drawing for Production, this course teaches more advanced concepts and principals of technical drawing. Topics include orthographic multi-view drawings, pictorial three-dimensional drawings, projection, size description, and pictorial representation. Also included are the techniques for developing drawing and the tools used to construct them.
Electricity/Electronics
Grades 11 – 12
1 credit
This course is a study in electrical theory, measurement and practical applications. Topics include electrical sources, circuits and power, magnetism and motors. Students will also be introduced to electronic theory, measurement and application. Topics will include electronic components, measuring instruments, semiconductors, integrated circuits, radio and television transmission and reception. Hands on activities will be used to further students’ understanding. Safety issues will be covered throughout the course.
Architecture & Construction
Grades 9 – 12
1 credit
This study will develop a foundation in architectural design and the construction practices needed and used when completing these works. Topics covered will include architectural history and theory, working drawing, prototyping, and model building. Our discussions will include social perception and environmental and economic factors that are the influences and consequences in the field of architecture (sustainability). Areas of study include: composition, historic preservation, specifications, methods and
materials of construction, mechanical and electrical systems, climate control, energy conservation, lighting, acoustics, and a survey of architectural literature.
½ credit in Architecture & Construction I
Prerequisite:
- The successful completion of 1 credit or more in a design, technology, or engineering course (preferably CAD I and II) with a class average gpa of 70 or better at the high school level, OR the successful completion of Design & Technology and Design & Engineering at the middle school level with a class average gpa of 90 or better OR prior permission from the teacher.
½ credit in Architecture & Construction II
Prerequisite:
- The successful completion of Architecture & Construction I with a class average gpa of 70 or better OR prior permission from the teacher. This course will also require a student to successfully complete the OSHA 10 Safety Course.
Creative Problem Solving
Grades 11 – 12
1 credit
This study will develop a foundation in of technological solutions and their societal, economical, and environmental relationships. Through discussion and collaboration we will evaluate, develop, and formulate technical solutions of modern day local and global problems. Areas of study include: thinking, sketching, specifying, modeling, prototyping, critiquing, using visual language of principles and elements, design as process, design principles of structure, function, and development of design briefs as leadership tools as they apply to authentic problems.
Computer Aided Drafting
Grades 9 – 12
1 credit
This course is a study of computer aided design as a medium for communication, virtual object development, CNC construction, test, and analysis. Course content will include a contemporary systematic process for the development of 2D and 3D computer graphic representations to develop
and communicate ideas, objects, or systems. Instruction will address accepted standards and practice within the global society. Emphasis will be placed on skills developed through hands-on experience.
Energy & Power
Grades 9 – 12
1 credit
Through sequence of Energy & Power, we will study of energy as a sustainable resource for technological systems found in a global society. The impacts of current and future energy consumption on the environment, climate and geo-political relations of society will be stressed. A heavy emphasis will be placed on the new and emerging technological advances of energy and its applications from a global perspective. Our activities will center upon research, analysis, experimentation, and the design and fabrication of scale models and mockups to authentically demonstrate generation, application and conservation of energy.
1/2 Credit in Energy
Prerequisite:
- The successful completion of Design & Technology & Design & Engineering with a class average gpa of 70 or better at the middle school level or prior permission from the teacher.
1/2 Credit in Power
Prerequisite:
- The successful completion of Energy I with a class average gpa of 70 or better or prior permission from the teacher.
Manufacturing & Production
Grades 10 – 12
1 credit
Working in teams, you will integrate and employ knowledge and skills developed in previous courses as they learn and apply product design, material processing, managerial and organizational principles and functions to the creation and mass production of a product and the operation of a manufacturing enterprise. Students also develop resource materials for teaching manufacturing/production concepts.
½ credit in Production
Prerequisite:
- The successful completion of 1 credit or more in a design, technology, or engineering course with a class average gpa of 70 or better at the high school level or prior permission from the teacher.
½ credit in Manufacturing
Prerequisite:
- The successful completion of Production with a class average gpa of 70 or better or prior permission from the teacher.
Principles of Engineering Course
Grades 9 – 12
1 credit
Through problems that engage and challenge, you explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. You will develop skills in problem solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation.
½ credit in Principles of Engineering I
Prerequisite:
- The successful completion of Design & Technology & Design & Engineering at the middle school level with a class average gpa of 70 or better or prior permission from the teacher.
½ credit in Principles of Engineering II
Prerequisite:
- The successful completion Principles of Engineering I with a class average gpa of 70 or better or prior permission from the teacher.
Sustainability & Biomimicry
Grades 9 – 12
1 credit
Through this study, you will have the opportunity to identify, and encourage others to take steps required to achieve the S.S. Seward Institute’s goal of carbon neutrality, as well as to build leadership skills. Students in this course identify ways to reduce environmental impact, take steps toward living.
Biomimicry is about looking to nature for inspiration for new inventions and innovations. It’s not really technology or biology; it’s the technology of biology. Biomimicry is exploring the nature’s design to solve human wants and needs. This interactive course explores understanding and developing a practice in biomimicry. You will use a process of integrating principles and elements found in nature into our human design. Key concepts will include thinking in systems, designing in context, identify patterns, and reimagine the world around you. Sustainably, and put ideas into practice. We will examine the economic and political foundations of decision-making regarding environmental and sustainability issues.
½ credit in Sustainability
Prerequisite:
- The successful completion of Design & Technology and Design & Engineering at the middle school level with a class average gpa of 70 or better or prior permission from the teacher.
½ credit in Biomimicry
Prerequisite:
- The successful completion of Sustainability with a class average gpa of 70 or better or prior permission from the teacher.
Independent Study in Design, Technology, & Engineering
Grades 10 – 12
1 credit
This course is for the gifted student who has successfully completed Energy & Power, or Material Processing I & II, or Design Drawing for Production, or Technical Communication with a class average gpa of 85 or better or prior permission from the teacher. This is a highly specialized and individualized course for a student to explore an area of design, technology, and engineering in depth. Interested students must receive prior approval from the technology teacher and school counselor.
Prerequisite:
- The successful completion of 1 credit or more in a design, technology, or engineering course with a class average gpa of 70 or better at the high school level or prior permission from the teacher.
Notes:
- Students are required to dually enroll in this course sequence. However, the student will need to meet the prerequisites based on an entrance criteria or related coursework. Dual Enrollment does not guarantee acceptance to the subsequent course at a later time. Dual Enrollment students are eligible to opt out for the subsequent course. By opting out, student will receive .5 unit of credits. Dual Enrollment students are not eligible to participate in the subsequent course at a later year without instructor approval.
- Any 12th Grade Standing Student may participate in any Design, Technology, & Engineering course with an GPA of 80 or Higher in any previously taken High School Design, Technology, & Engineering course sequence.
*Prerequisite requirements may be waived on an individual basis based upon teacher recommendation, school counselor review and approval by the Principal.