Course Overview:

The Industrial Technology Program at J.L.Stanford Middle School is a semester-long program concentrating on various aspects of mechanical, structural, and electrical engineering designed to excite and challenge all students. The program is meant to acquaint students with various aspects of technology with emphasis on hands-on experiences. The whole class program exposes students to both the practical skills as well as the more theoretical learning. Each unit of study will introduce basic tool skills and their related safety issues along with important math and science concepts. Some of the larger issues discussed include the social and environmental impact related to technology and manufacturing, possible career opportunities, and the design process.

While this course is intended for all students regardless of ability, it is my hope to enlighten and inspire our female students especially. Middle school years are typically when girls drop out/lose interest in technical matters. It is my hope that this course will maintain the excitement and curiosity about technology in general and cause them to sign up for future technology classes.

Units of study:

Design Process: The design process and basic construction techniques are taught through projects. Basic manufacturing processes are introduced and connections to real life skills are introduced.
Orthographic Projection: Students are introduced to orthographic (3-View) drawing (a precursor to CAD).
Wooden Bridges: An engineering unit where students design and build wooden bridges that are tested. Efficiencies are calculated. (Our present record holder withheld 942 pounds per square inch with a calculated efficiency of 1204%).
Wind Conversion Warriors: students design and build a vehicle that moves under wind power over a set course, hit a barrier and then flings a ping pong ball through a set of uprights. It is an amazing sight indeed.

General Procedures and Operations:
Each student must be seated and ready to start class at the beginning of each period. This means that the students will have all materials out and ready to begin instruction (pencils sharpened, papers out) or they will be considered tardy. Every tardy equal a one hour detention. While this may seem harsh, this is a lab class that involves a great deal of set up and clean up time. Latecomers take valuable time away from others in the class. I have found that this detention policy works wonders with the students and they are rarely late again. It is the student's responsibility to come to the assigned detention or make other arrangements.

Safety is a huge concern in this class. For this reason any throwing of objects, horseplay, or misuse of tools will also result in a one-hour detention and a call home. Repeat offenses will result in a meeting with parents/guardians and perhaps the school counselor. Continued offenses may result in the exclusion from all tech classes.

Letter grades are given in elective classes. The students are evaluated. Evaluations are weighted equally in the following categories: test/quizzes; homework; class participation, and citizenship.

Food is not allowed in the classroom. There is too much equipment that could be damaged by a small amount of food or drink.

Vandalism of property will be dealt with swiftly and severely. Along with a class suspension, the student will be financially responsible for the repair or replacement of the item(s) vandalized.

Passes to the restroom are for emergencies only. The student will need to make up the lost time at TEAM time or after school.

It is expected that all students be polite and courteous while listening to in class presentations.

Student s is not allowed to leave the classroom for any reason without a pass or teacher permission.

All students must be in their seats and quiet before being dismissed.