Wethersfield Public Schools Course Outline Course Name: Technology and Engineering Education, Grade 8 Department: Technology and Engineering Education Grade(s): 8 Level(s): Unleveled Course Number(s): N/A Credits: N/A Course Description: This course description also appears in the course catalogue. Technology and Engineering education provides students with a hands-on experience using the engineering design process to solve a variety of real-world problems. The course will increase student awareness of the impacts of technology on their world and increase their technological literacy. Students will safely use tools, equipment and machines to design, build and test a variety of prototypes. Students will explore the areas of robotics, communication, construction, manufacturing, energy and transportation. Required Instructional Materials: No Required Textbook Revised/Approval Date: Approved by Board of Education June 28, 2011 Authors/Contributors: Behn O. Sikora and Sam Shelton CTE: Connecticut Career and Technical Education Performance Standards and Competencies for Technology Education (2011) ITEEA/STL: International Technology and Engineering Education Association s Standards for Technological Literacy (2000) CITL: Connecticut Information and Technology Literacy Framework (2006) Technology and Engineering Education, Grade 8 Page 1
Overarching Skills This section includes 21 st Century skills and discipline focused skills such as inquiry skills, problem solving skills, research skills, etc. These objectives should be taught and assessed through the integration of the other units. This unit is not meant to be taught in isolation as a separate unit. Title: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Creativity and Innovation Leadership and Responsibility Communication and Collaboration The engineering design process is how creative ideas are turned into inventions and innovations. The engineering design process is how engineers solve problems. Safety is everyone s responsibility. Communication and collaboration is essential to efficient and effective problem solving. How do engineers solve problems using the engineering design process? How is creativity and innovation used in engineering design? What safe practices are required in the engineering lab? How do teams efficiently and effectively solve problems in an increasingly complex world? Objectives (skills) S.1. Describe the process of how humans create new technology using innovation, invention, creativity and the engineering design process. (ITEEA/STL 1) S.2 Create a report on the use of the engineering design process, which includes: indentify the problem, brainstorm a solution, select a solution, test and evaluate the solution, and make changes. (ITEEA/STL 8-11 & CTE) S.3 Communicate findings using a oral presentation, written documents, visual charts and computer based presentations. (ITEEA/STL 11, 17, CTE & CITL 5) S.4 Draw engineering sketches of a proposed design. (ITEEA/STL 11 & CTE) S.5 Design, build, test and modify a prototype. (ITEEA/STL 8-12 & CTE) S.6 Safely select and use equipment, materials and tools in the technology and engineering lab. (ITEEA/STL 2, 12 & CTE) S.7 Demonstrate safe practices in the engineering lab. (ITEEA/STL 11 & CTE) S.8 Collaborate with peers to solve a problem using written, verbal and online communication. (ITEEA/STL 17 & CTE) Copies of standards documents. Engineering by Design documents from ITEEA Instructional supplies Consumable supplies, as listed for each unit Tools, equipment and machines for prototyping Testing equipment Safety equipment, including: safety goggles Computers and various productivity software Technology and Engineering Education, Grade 8 Page 2
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Unit 1: Introduction to Technology and Engineering Education Time Frame: Two class sessions Length of Unit: Two class sessions Technology is more than just computers. Technology by itself is neither good or bad, but decisions about the use of technology has positive and negative impacts. What is technology? What are the historical impacts of technological innovation? 1.1. Describe technology. (ITEEA/STL 1-2) 1.2. Organize examples of the major groups of technology systems, which include: production, communication, transportation, energy and biotechnology. (ITEEA/STL 14-20) 1.3. Compare the positive and negative impacts of technology on society, environment, history. (ITEEA/STL 5-7) 1.4 Evaluate the influence of technology on cultural, social, economic and political issues. (ITEEA/STL 4) 1.5 Create a visual timeline showing the advancement of a technology and invention, using dates, descriptions and graphics. (ITEEA/STL 4, 6, 7, 17) Technology artifacts Technology videos Small group learning Technology and Engineering Education, Grade 8 Page 4
Unit 2: Electricity and Electronics Time Frame: Five class sessions Length of Unit: Five class sessions Electricity powers our modern life. Electrical energy can be controlled to do useful work. How is electricity essential to our modern lives? How do humans use electricity to do work? 2.1 Identify the positive and negative impacts of electronics technology on society. (ITEEA/STL 6, 13) 2.2 Explain how electricity moves and changes through a circuit doing work. (ITEEA/STL 16) 2.3 Differentiate between a series and a parallel circuit. (ITEEA/STL 16) 2.4 Correctly draw a circuit diagram using standardized symbols. (ITEEA/STL 16, 17) 2.5 Manipulate electrical energy systems using the proper equipment and tools. (ITEEA/STL 12) 2.6 Complete several working electrical circuits by identifying and assembling parts. (ITEEA/STL 12) 2.7 Utilize the engineering design process to create a device that uses the parts of an electrical system to complete a given task. (ITEEA/STL 8-12 & CTE) Engineering by Design documents from ITEEA Electronics kits for each group, including: batteries, battery holders, switches, motors, wire, etc. Safety equipment, including safety goggles Tools, equipment and machines for electronic prototyping Computers and desktop publishing software Engineering websites, i.e.: http://www.tryengineering.org/ Technology and Engineering Education, Grade 8 Page 5
Unit 3: Transportation and Energy Time Frame: Five class sessions Length of Unit: Five class sessions Electrical energy enhances transportation. How does electricity enhance transportation? 3.1 Correctly wire the electrical system of a vehicle using a circuit diagram. (ITEEA/STL 12) 3.2 Build and test a transportation vehicle using written directions. (ITEEA/STL 8-12, 18) 3.3 Modify a transportation vehicle to improve its performance. (ITEEA/STL 2, 10-12, 18) 3.4 Evaluate the performance of a transportation vehicle by calculating the speed of the vehicle using a given mathematical formula. (ITEEA/STL 3, 12) Engineering by Design documents from ITEEA Electronics kits for each group, including: batteries, battery holders, switches, motors, wire, etc. Consumable supplies, including: balsa wood, foam, card stock, glue, etc. Tools, equipment and machines for prototyping Stop watch Safety equipment, including safety goggles Computers and desktop publishing software Engineering websites, i.e.: http://www.tryengineering.org/ Technology and Engineering Education, Grade 8 Page 6
Unit 4: Robotics Time Frame: Five class sessions Length of Unit: Five class sessions Electrical energy can be controlled to do useful work. Technology is made-up of systems and subsystems. What makes a robot a robot? 4.1 Identify the positive and negative impacts of robotic technology. (ITEEA/STL 13) 4.2 Identify several uses for robotics in modern society. (ITEEA/STL 4, 6, 14) 4.3 Build and test a robotic system using visual and written directions. (ITEEA/STL 8-12, 18) 4.4 Modify a robotic system to improve its performance. (ITEEA/STL 2, 10-12) 4.5 Correctly use a variety of sensors on a robotic system that will allow the robot to interact with its environment. (ITEEA/STL 12, 17) 4.6 Correctly use programming software on the robot to allow the robot to operate autonomously. (ITEEA/STL 12, 17) Audio/visual technology equipment Robot building directions Robot kits for each group of two students Tools, equipment and machines for building robots Computers and robot programming software Consumable supplies, including: batteries, replacement parts, storage bins, etc. Technology and Engineering Education, Grade 8 Page 7
Unit 5: Introduction to Computer Hardware Time Frame: Six class sessions Length of Unit: Six class sessions Electrical energy can be controlled to do useful work. Technology is made-up of systems and subsystems. How do computers work? What are the environmental impacts of technological innovation? 4.1 Differentiate between computer types, computer hardware, computer software, and computer peripherals. (CITL 5 & ITEEA/STL 17) 4.2 Identify ten pieces of hardware within a desktop computer and describe their function. (CITL 5 & ITEEA/STL 17) 4.3 Identify and apply proper safety practices when working inside a desktop computer. (CITL 5 & ITEEA/STL 17) 4.4 Research the basic parts required to build a customized desktop computer, create a visual chart that includes price, model and description and present the information to the class. (CITL 5 & ITEEA/STL 17) 4.5 Evaluate a customized desktop computer for price, model and description. (CITL 5 & ITEEA/STL 17) 4.6 Describe how computer hardware has changed over time. (CITL 5 & ITEEA/STL 7) 4.7 Explain how the world wide web and the internet works. (CITL 5 & ITEEA/STL 17) 4.8 Explain how computers save information using binary code. (CITL 5 & ITEEA/STL 17) 4.9 Explain the importance of recycling digital waste. (ITEEA/STL 5) 4.10 Identify local resources for recycling digital waste. (ITEEA/STL 5) Audio/visual technology equipment Repairable desktop computers for each group Tools, equipment and machines for computer maintenance Safety equipment, including: static discharge bracelets Computers and desktop publishing software Websites for researching computer hardware Consumable supplies, including: glue, poster paper Web quest Technology and Engineering Education, Grade 8 Page 8
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Unit 6: Digital Citizenship Time Frame: Two class sessions Length of Unit: Two class sessions Good digital citizens navigate the digital world responsibly, respectfully and safely. What are the rights and responsibilities of a digital citizen? 4.1 Identify several of the dangers and benefits of the internet and social networking. (CITL 6 & ITEEA/STL 4, 6 & 13) 4.2 Define cyber bullying, identity theft, digital piracy and copyright infringement in their own words. (CITL 6) 4.3 Describe possible forms of cyber bullying, identity theft, digital piracy and copyright infringement in their own words. (CITL 6) 4.4 Evaluate a cyber bullying situation and devise a plan of positive action. (CITL 6) 4.5 Create a public service announcement to create peer awareness of either cyber bullying, identity theft or digital piracy. (ITEEA/STL 17) Technology artifacts Technology videos Video production equipment, including: video camera, tripod, teleprompter, film, etc. Video editing software Digital Literacy & Citizenship resources from: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators Audio/visual technology equipment Web quest Technology and Engineering Education, Grade 8 Page 10
Unit 7: Architectural Design Time Frame: Four class sessions Length of Unit: Four class sessions Architectural design involves space planning and choosing materials to build structures. Architects work with clients to satisfy their needs. There is a difference between architects and engineers. What are the elements of a good floor plan? How has society impacted architectural design? Why is architectural design different around the world? 4.1 Define the terminology of architectural design. (ITEEA/STL 8) 4.2 Describe the origins of architectural design. (ITEEA/STL 7) 4.3 Differentiate between engineers and architects. (ITEEA/STL 17) 4.4 Describe the impacts of society, culture and history on architectural design. (ITEEA/STL 6) 4.5 Explain the importance of safety and structural integrity on architectural design. (ITEEA/STL 20) 4.6 Explain the impacts of technology on architectural design. (ITEEA/STL 6) 4.7 Design a floor plan of a single level house that includes nine rooms, hallways, doorways, storage, furnishings and fixtures. (ITEEA/STL 11) 4.8 Design and build a scaled model of a section of a house. (ITEEA/STL 20) Audio/visual technology equipment Consumable supplies, including: pencils, rulers, graph paper, pins, saws, erasers, glue, wood, etc. Building materials for each group Tools, equipment and machines for prototyping Computers and various productivity software Technology and Engineering Education, Grade 8 Page 11
Unit 8: Modular Stations Time Frame: Eighteen class sessions Length of Unit: Eighteen class sessions Successful video games are designed to engage and entertain. Product photography communicates information in order to persuade. The elements of a good website include visual appeal, easy navigation and current information. What are the elements of an effective educational video game? What are the elements of a captivating product photograph? What are the elements of an effective webpage design? 4.1 Utilize at least three different computer productivity programs while working cooperatively with a partner. (ITEEA/STL 12 & CITL 5) 4.2 Read and follow written directions while working on the modules. (ITEEA/STL 12) Module specific objectives (Students will spend six class sessions at three module stations) Video Game Design 4.3 Identify the features, mechanics and options of different genres and types of video games. (ITEEA/STL 2) 4.4 Utilize the basic concepts of video game design including storyboarding, frames and libraries. (ITEEA/STL 11, 12, 17) 4.5 Create a simple educational video game using game design software. (ITEEA/STL 11, 12, 17 & CITL 5) 4.6 Use game design software to insert music, sounds and graphics into a game. (ITEEA/STL 11, 12, 17 & CITL 5) Advanced Digital Photography 4.7 Utilize digital photographic equipment to create several advertising photographs of different products. (ITEEA/STL 11, 12, 17) 4.8 Create a picture of a product and develop a pretend online auction listing. (ITEEA/STL 11, 12, 17) 4.9 Edit a photograph using advanced computer editing software. (ITEEA/STL 11, 12, 17 & CITL 5) Webpage Design 4.10 Critique several websites based on layout, design, effectiveness, and ease of use. (ITEEA/STL 2) 4.11 Design a webpage with a partner using webpage building software using good layout and design. (ITEEA/STL 11, 12, 17 & CITL 5) 4.12 Use webpage building software to insert music, text, images, and hyperlinks into a webpage. (ITEEA/STL 11, 12, 17 & CITL 5) Technology and Engineering Education, Grade 8 Page 12
Audio/visual technology equipment Consumable supplies, including: publishing supplies, headphones, batteries, etc. Color printer and ink cartridges Computers and various productivity software Productivity software including: video game design, photo editing, and webpage design Digital camera, tripod, memory cards, lighting and background equipment Technology and Engineering Education, Grade 8 Page 13