The Exploring Technology Education Program (Technology Exploration) at Stanford Middle School is a six-week, broad-based exploratory experience 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. This whole-class program exposes students to both the practical skills as well as 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 help maintain the excitement and curiosity about technology in general and cause them to sign up for future technology classes.

Units of Study:

During the six weeks the students will explore three of the following four units: architecture/design (Design your Own Dream Home); structures/engineering (Paper Bridges); flight (with compressed gas); and, futuristic transportation and energy (Building and Racing Solar Cars)

• The architecture/design unit emphasizes measurement and drawing skills. Basic drafting techniques are introduced as a natural tie-in to computer-aided design (CAD).

• In the engineering/structures unit the students will study, design, and build paper bridges according to specific parameters. The bridges are then tested either for strength (and their efficiencies are calculated) or design features.

• The flight unit uses 3-view orthographic projection along with a great deal of physics (and compressed gas) to make it “fly”. The data collected is interpreted and used to overcome engineering flaws to optimize engineering performance.

• The final unit is the Futuristic Transportation and Energy unit that involves the construction and testing of a small-scale solar vehicle. Students will be taught how to use a digital multi meter and the basics of Ohm’s Law will be introduced.

General Operations and Procedures:

1) Each student must be seated and ready to start class at the beginning of each period. This means that students have all materials out and ready to begin instruction (pencils sharpened, paper out) or they will be considered tardy. Every tardy equals 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 students and they are rarely late again. It is the student’s responsibility to come to the assigned detention or make other arrangements with me.
2) 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 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.
3) Letter grades are not given in the sixth grade wheel. The student is evaluated on a basis of exceed expectations, meet expectations, needs improvement, or does not meet expectations. Evaluations are weighted equally in the following categories: tests/quizzes; homework; class work/participation; and, citizenship.
4) Food and Drink are NOT allowed in the classroom. There is too much equipment that could be damaged by a small amount of food/drink (not to mention the mess).
5) Vandalism of property will be dealt with quickly and severely. Along with a class suspension, the student will be financially responsible for the repair or replacement of the item(s) vandalized.
6) Passes to the rest room are for emergencies only. The student will need to make up the lost time after school.
7) It is expected that all students will be courteous, polite, and listen during oral or class presentations.
8) Students are not allowed to leave the classroom for any reason without a pass or the teacher’s consent.
9) All students must be in their assigned seats and quiet before being dismissed.