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2008 - 2009
(approved 8/28/08)
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Industrial Technology Education(ITE) |
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Technology education prepares students to be capable of adapting and productively functioning in a world of dynamic technological change. Technology education promotes technological literacy and training in the process of learning "how to learn" and "how to think." ITE, at the middle school, is a course of study focusing on an introduction to technology: its history and evolution, systems, resources, and controls. The fundamental teaching strategy is to provide an interdisciplinary approach with an emphasis placed on "thinking" through design and problem solving. Students solve contemporary technological
problems by employing knowledge from all
disciplines and following a systematic outline
called a "design model." They assume roles of
designer, engineer, programmer, fabricator,
evaluator, and consumer, while working individually
or cooperatively on teacher-led or self-directed
problems presented with specific limitations.
Students become the ultimate decision makers in the
process. They learn to compare their work to the
"design brief" and to recognize a successful
prototype or performed activity, through
self-evaluation, and to overcome failures with
research, design, and documentation. Students
acquire computer skills, which they eventually use
to store and retrieve information, make working
drawings, program models and manage technological
systems. INTRODUCTION TO INDUSTRIAL AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION GRADE 6 (9 weeks - 2 days per week) This course establishes a basic foundation in technological literacy, exposing students to the value and diversity of industrial technology. Classroom activities are designed and implemented to foster an atmosphere receptive to creativity, innovation, and invention. Students individually and cooperatively brainstorm, design and draw solutions to problems, collect and evaluate research, calculate sizes, predict outcomes, design procedures, construct prototypes, test and evaluate solutions, and share information and ideas. They develop a working balance between risk-taking and more conservative or "tried" approaches to problem solving. Failure is viewed as part of the learning process and accepted as a starting point from which to begin anew. Students build functional models or prototypes using a variety of raw materials. For example, while building with LegoTM elements, students learn practical knowledge relative to simple structures, simple machines and the development and design of mechanical systems.
GRADE 7 (18 weeks - Meets every 3 days on a 6-Day Cycle) The seventh grade ITE course is designed to further develop students' understanding of information and procedures learned in the sixth grade ITE course. Students design and develop solutions to more challenging situations and problems. Hands-on activities allow students to both individually and cooperatively explore various areas of industrial technology in greater detail. Using Lego dactaTM motorized building sets, students design solutions to problems employing gear, pulley and chain drives for power transmission. They apply their new knowledge and understandings in physical science to the design and construction of motor-driven prototypes and employ concepts of gear ratios. Students design and construct aerodynamic, CO2-powered, dragster-type vehicles, designing and sketching possible solutions, drawing full scale working drawings, and producing prototype vehicles while working safely on a variety of hand and power tools machinery.
GRADE 8 (18 weeks - Meets every 3 days on a 6-Day Cycle) The 8th grade ITE program provides an opportunity for students to independently or cooperatively pursue their special interests by becoming active participants and in one or more of a variety of exploratory technology modules. Areas of investigation and exploration include but are not limited to:
Other Middle School
Programs
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