Technology Education

Foundations of Technology
Level:  9-10
18 weeks  (1/2 credit)

In Foundations of Technology students will explore a variety of topics in Communication, Production, and Design Engineering.  Units can include:  Graphic Design, Screen Printing, Sublimation Printing, Computer Aided Drafting, Laser Engraving, and Digital Video Editing.  Students will learn about the evolution of technology, inventions and innovations, impacts of technology, the systems approach, and problem solving.  Projects will be completed in each unit that is covered.

Invention and Innovation
Level:  9-10
18 weeks  (1/2 credit) 

Students participate in engineering design activities to understand how criteria, constraints, and processes affect designs.  Brainstorming, visualizing, modeling, constructing, testing, and refining designs will be studied.  Units can include:  Sign Making, Sand Carving, Photography, Structural Design, and Project Manufacturing.  Activities will be completed within each unit using a problem solving approach.

Manufacturing Technology I
Level:  10-12
18 weeks  (1/2 credit)

This class covers the manufacturing of products that are made from wood and wood by-products.  Activities will include designing, manufacturing, marketing, and selling a class project.  Students will learn the safe and proper usage of tools that are used in the production of products.  Scientific and structural properties are covered along with learning how to effectively plan projects by calculating materials, time, and cost.

Manufacturing Technology II
Level:  10-12
18 weeks  (1/2 credit)

This class will emphasize the processes and technologies that are used in the metal working industry.  Students will learn about the manufacturing and construction of these products.   Areas that are covered include:  Designing and Problem Solving, Casting, Shearing, Mechanical Fastening, Machining, Conditioning, Arc Welding, MIG Welding, Plasma Cutting, Finishing Processes, and Safety.  Students will gain experience by designing, marketing, and selling a class-manufacturing project.

Communication Technology I
Level:  10-12
18 weeks  (1/2 credit)

In this class students will learn about and use the following communication technologies:  Photography, Scanners, Digital Cameras, Sublimation Printing, and Designing Software.  Areas of emphasis include:  Photographic Theory, Camera Function, Composition, Darkroom Techniques, Developing and Printing Processes, and the use of Lighting and Equipment.  Students will complete projects in both traditional film photography and digital photography.  Assignments will be given on a variety of topics.  

Communication Technology II
Level:  10-12
18 weeks  (1/2 credit)

This class will emphasize both past and present electronic communication devices.  Activities in this class include Video Production, Digital Photography, and Graphic Design.  Students learn techniques and processes used to design, produce, and transmit images with electronic devices.  Students will produce a “Video Yearbook” highlighting the current school year at LAHS.  Other assigned projects will be given within each area covered.  Activities will be group orientated with emphasize on teamwork and planning.

Design/Drafting
Level:  10-12
18 weeks  (1/2 credit)

This class will cover the processes involved in Engineering Design.   Students will develop and construct different types of drawings used in modern industry and the engineering field.   The concepts of design and different problem solving techniques will be emphasized. Topics covered include:  Geometric Configuration, Orthographic Projection, Dimensioning, Pictorials, Architectural Drafting, and Model Building and Testing.  Students will learn both traditional and computer aided drafting techniques.

Energy/Transportation Technology
Level:  10-12
18 weeks  (1/2 credit)

Energy/Transportation introduces students to the generation, conversion, control, transmission, and storage of energy, with emphasis on transportation systems.  Units include:  Mouse Trap Cars, Co2 Powered Vehicles, Aerodynamics, Aviation, Robotics, Small Engine Mechanics, and Gear Ratios.  Students will learn the safe use of machines and tools that increase strength and provide mechanical advantage in the movement of people and materials.  Energy and Transportation technology will also be applied to production and communication through fun problem solving activities that vary from year to year.

Construction Technology
Level:  10-12
18 weeks  (1/2 credit)

    
Construction Technology covers the systems that are used in the construction of consumer products and structures.  Activities will include:  Designing, Planning, Organizing, Directing, Controlling, and Building Construction Projects.  Construction activities could include:  Sheds, Garages, and Remodeling Projects.   Emphasis is given to the resources that are used to produce buildings and structures, properties of materials, and how products are designed and built.

Individual Technical Problems (ITP)
Level:  11-12
18 weeks  (1/2 credit)

Prerequisites:          Each student must have individual experience and knowledge through courses taken in Technology Education and/or work related experience.

This is an activity-based class where each student will apply their current knowledge to a specific area of research and project work.  A few topics that have been chosen by students in the past include: Wood Projects, Metal Projects, Video Editing, Sign Making, Printing, and Graphic Design.  After choosing a project area to specialize in, a 6-step process is then followed by each student.  With this process, each student will be allowed to research and develop their designs, maintain quality, and continually evaluate their progress.  Projects will be identified and developed by the student and must be approved by the instructor.  Analytical thinking, decision-making, and continuous design improvements will be expected.