Technology & Engineering

Mission: Examine technologies past, present, and future and to provide students with the tools and skills necessary to become productive 21st century citizens who are able to make informed decisions about the designed world.

Goals

Technology & Engineering is a rigorous, project-based program that enables students to:

Advance technological literacy for all students
Apply interdisciplinary learned skills for implementing the design process
Collaborate to enhance collective learning experiences in a diverse environment
Develop career awareness to make informed and educated occupation decisions

Curriculum Focus

Grade 6 Focus: Exploring Technology

In 6th grade Technology & Engineering students look at how technological systems affect people, society, and their environments. Technologies are artifacts we have designed and engineered to solve problems and improve the world around us. Students will begin to examine the benefits and consequences of technology by designing and testing aerodynamic vehicles, building model structures, and programming. The units of study introduce the engineering design process, CAD software, 3D printing, coding and computer science principles.

Grade 7 Focus: Engineering, Manufacturing and Robotics

Through the exploration of engineering and manufacturing 7th grade Technology & Engineering students use the engineering design process to discover the world of modern manufacturing and the field of robotics. The units of study include technical design through CAD, manufacturing processes, the safe use of equipment within a production environment, robotic design, assembly and coding within computer science principles.

Grade 8 Focus: Communication, Graphic Design and Computer Science

In the 8th grade students use the principles of design and the engineering process to solve various challenges. Units of study introduce students to the graphic design process, the creation of messages through visual communication and engineering principles with an emphasis on CAD software, 3D printing, engineering, digital photography, coding and game design. With a strong vertical articulation within the middle school Technology & Engineering program, students prepare for advanced approaches to STEM careers at the high schools.