WILDCAT TECHNOLOGY: October 2008

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Problem Based Learning at West Stokes in Technology Education

PROBLEM BASED LEARNING AND THE "WILDCAT TECHNOLOGY" PROGRAM
Wikipedia has a decent article posted on their site regarding PBL (Problem or Project Based Learning). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem-based_learning (CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE!)

In the last two to three weeks we have started to use PBL as a means to cover our course objectives. We had an example PBL Work Project just recently. In PBL it is important to model things and give lots of teacher input at first and then later the learners develop the skills and the independence to solve problems on their own.

Student evaluation and student reflection are an important part of this process, and are important skills to learn in our society as we evaluate the technologies which we use. Evaluation of our ideas, work, and products, (and by-products) help students to learn how to live responsibly in a world that uses many technologies!

Students in our Technology Education classes are currenlty learning how to solve problems in our class by building things and doing projects and then evaluating them. They are starting a large project which we are modeling by using a model rocketry project now. (an introduction to this LEARNING ACTIVITIES PROJECT is detailed in another log below)

Students are progressing through the Tech Ed classes in Room 238 like this
1. First they were mostly OBSERVERS (1st BASE)
2. Then they learned about being WORKERS in their Tech Ed classs (2nd BASE)
3. Now they are preparing to be LEADERS (3rd BASE)
4. And the ultimate goal is for them to be class PROFESSIONALS (HOME PLATE)(We are using a baseball diamond to model our clas progression.)

Monday, October 20, 2008

How to Use this Blog

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Learning Community Notes

Dear Students, Families,
and our West Stokes Learning Community in Stokes County, NC,

I think that the students and myself will be able to use this blog to have an online connection to this class. It will give the students online resources. They can make contributions to this blog. We will be able to post notes that we can use to work together more efficiently.

The students will be able to post "moderated "comments as well to this site. Basically if they can access this page then they will be able to contribute to it. Again, all comments are moderated. so they will be received by me personally at my school email and then published or rejected.

This new blog will help serve us as an online digital portfolio for this class.

Do you have any ideas about this blog? I will be posting more thoughts and websites about the field of Technology Education as we move ahead.

I will also continue to post notes, and other resources for students in class, about our new "Learning Activities Project" which explores all of the course objectives and class blueprints in the two classes of Transportation Systems and Fundamentals of Technology.

Both of these classes will soon have their own blog.
TSA (Technology Student Association) has their own blog - www.weststokestsa.blogspot.com
Join us for online learning and technology projects and challenges.

I hope that this will build our community which studies technology at West Stokes High School in Stokes County!

Dean White
Technology Education Teacher
WILDCAT TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
WEST STOKES HIGH SCHOOL

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Technology Is Amazing!!! Do Work!

Next BIG PROJECT in FUNDAMENTALS OF TECHNOLOGY CLASSES AT WEST STOKES HIGH SCHOOL!
LEARNING ACTIVITIES PROJECT
We are making learning activities which teach our course objectives!!
There are several components to this project and more components may be added if needed.

Here are the project components for now.
We will be using our project boxes for this project.

"LEARNING ACTIVITIES"
PROJECT COMPONENTS

Interest Surveys and Exploration of Course
Project Proposal (Based on Student Interest and One Assigned or Chosen Course Objective for Each Student)
Research Component
Activity Component
Activity Instructions Report
Presentation Component
Evaluation and Reflection Component

Here are some sites to get you started. These sites give detailed information about this course and can help you as you develop your project idea. You may get ideas for activities. In this project you will make a learning activity that teaches one of the course descriptions (or blueprint topics) in our course Fundamentals of Technology.

Have FUN learning, and doing your initial research!

WEBSITES TO GET YOU STARTED

1. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Website on Technology Education and Courses taught in NC!
www.dpi.state.nc.us/cte/technology/index.html

2. Course Description of Fundamentals of Technology with Links
(as quoted from the NCDPI's website)
Fundamentals of Technology
Course Number: 8110Recommended Maximum Enrollment: 21Recommended Hours of Instruction: 135-180Course Blueprint: 2002_bp_8110_Fundamentals_of_Technology.pdf (380KB pdf) Curriculum Guide: 8110_guide.zip (26MB zip)
This course provides prerequisite hands-on experiences in principles and processes essential for the study of the technology systems courses and develops a foundation for students interested in any technical field of study. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, design, technical communication, modeling, testing, evaluation, and implications of technology. Activities are structured to integrate physical and social sciences, mathematics, language and fine arts. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course include job shadowing and field trips. This course and TSA technical and leadership activities develop skills essential for students interested in technical or engineering career fields.
Prerequisite: None
The previous information is located at this website:
http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/cte/technology/course-descriptions.html#8110

POST A COMMENT
IF YOU FIND A COURSE OBJECTIVE THAT INTERESTS YOU OR IF YOU FIND SOMETHING INTERESTING ON THESE WEBSITES LET OUR CLASS AND ONLINE LEARNING COMMUNITY KNOW ABOUT IT.
BROWSE THROUGH THE CURRICULUM GUIDE AND CHECK OUT SOME OF THE ACTIVITIES THAT WE CAN USE FOR OUR CLASSROOM IN YOUR NEW PROJECT! YOU CAN DO IT!
SUCCESS IS IN A "CAN"!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

West Stokes High School's NEW Technology Student Association's Blog

http://www.weststokestsa.blogspot.com/

West Stokes Tech

WILDCAT TECHNOLOGY

Our WILDCAT TECHNOLOGY blog is UP and RUNNING!

Go Wildcats!!!

High School TSA Competitive Events

Agriculture and Biotechnology Design Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (three teams of two or more members per state, one entry per team) conduct research on a contemporary agriculture or biotechnology problem of their choosing, document their research, and create a display. The information gathered may be student-performed research or a re-creation or simulation of research performed by the scientific community. If appropriate, a model or prototype of the solution may be included in the display.

Animatronics Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one team per chapter; one entry per team) will demonstrate knowledge of mechanical and control systems by designing, fabricating, and controlling an animatronics device that will communicate, entertain, inform, demonstrate and/or illustrate a topic, idea, subject or concept. Sound, lights and a surrounding environment must accompany the device.

Architectural Model Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one individual or team per chapter, one entry per individual or team) develop a set of architectural plans and related materials for an annual architectural design challenge and construct an architectural model to accurately depict the design.

Career Comparisons Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one individual per chapter) thoroughly research various technology-related careers that are associated with one of the following technology areas: Biotechnology, Communications, Energy and Power, Engineering, Manufacturing, Medical Technology, Technology Education Teaching, Transportation, or Construction. After documenting the research, each student submits a cover letter and resume for the selected career and completes a formal job application. Semifinalists participate in an on-site mock interview.

Chapter Team (Written and Oral) Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one team of six members per chapter) take a written parliamentary procedures test in order to proceed to the semifinals. Semifinalist teams perform an opening ceremony, dispose of three items of business, and perform a closing ceremony within a specified time period.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Architecture with Animation Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (two individuals per state) create representations, such as foundation and/or floor plans, and/or elevation drawings, and/or details of architectural ornamentation or cabinetry. Students may be expected to animate a presentation of their entry.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering with Animation Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (two individuals per state) create 3D computer model(s) of an engineering or machine object, such as a machine part, tool, device, or manufactured product. Students may be expected to animate a portion of their model.

Construction Systems Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one team of two members per chapter) complete a written test on general construction systems knowledge. Seminfinalist teams demonstrate their knowledge by solving a construction systems problem that is announced on site.

Cyberspace Pursuit Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one team of three to five members per chapter) are required to design, create and launch a web site that features the school's technology education program, the TSA chapter, and the chapter's ability to research topics pertaining to technology. Pre-conference semifinalists participate in an on-site oral examination/interview.
Click to access the High School Cyberspace Pursuit design brief.

Debating Technological Issues Participants (three teams of two members per state) debate against a team/s from another chapter in order to advance to the semifinals. The teams are instructed on site to take either the pro or con side of a topic that is designated anually.

Desktop Publishing Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one individual per state; one entry per individual) develop a notebook that includes a tri-fold pamphlet, a three-column newsletter, and a poster. All participants (not just semifinalists) then work to solve an on-site problem that demonstrates their abilities to use the computer to design, edit, and print materials for publication.

Dragster Design Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (two individuals per chapter; one entry per individual) design, produce working drawings for, and build a CO2-powered dragster.
Electronic Game Design Participants (three teams per state; a minimum of two individuals per team) develop an E-rated game that focuses on the subject of their choice.

Electronic Research and Experimentation Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one team of two or more individuals per chapter; one entry per team) research, plan, design, and construct an electronic device. Entries are evaluated on quality of research, ingenuity and complexity of the device, and effectiveness of the exhibit display.

Engineering Design Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one team of three to five members per chapter, one entry per team) work as part of a team to solve a design problem. Through use of a model/prototype, display and design notebook, the team explains in detail how it has solved the problem and the solution's impact on society and the environment. Semifinalists demonstrate the problem and solution in a timed presentation.

Essays on Technology Participants (three individuals per state) conduct research in an announced technological area and, using the knowledge and personal insights gained form this research, write a persuasive essay on one subtopic selected from two or three related subtopics assigned on site.

Extemporaneous Presentation Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (three individuals per state) give a three to five minute speech, fifteen minutes after having drawn a card on which a technology or TSA topic for a speech is written.

Fashion Design Participants (one team of two to four members per chapter) research, develop, and create garment designs, garment mock-ups, and portfolios that reflect the current year's published theme. Semifinalists participate in an on-site event in which they present their potential garment designs to judges on a TSA runway.

Film Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (three teams per state) develop a film that focuses on a subject of their choice from one or more of the following areas: the arts, social studies, science, or technology. Possible subjects include but are not limited to social study documentaries, nature films, advertisements, comedies, or dramas. Sound may accompany the film/video.

Flight Endurance Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (two individuals per chapter; one entry per individual) analyze flight principles with a rubber band-powered model aircraft.

Future Technology Teacher Participants (three individuals per chapter) research and select three accredited colleges or universities that offer technology education/engineering technology teacher preparation as a major. Each participant must write a one page simulated college essay about the wish to become a teacher in either major. Participants also develop and present a lesson plan.

Imaging Technology Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one individual per chapter; one entry per individual) capture images and process photographic prints for display that depict the current year's published theme. Semifinalists participate in an on-site event in which they record digital images and utilize multimedia software to prepare a storyboard/outline and media presentation of newsworthy TSA conference activities and events.

Manufacturing Prototype Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one team per chapter) design and manufacture a prototype of a product and provide a description of how the product could be manufactured in a state-of-the-art American manufacturing facility.

Medical Technology Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (three teams per state; two or more participants per team) conduct research on a contemporary medical technology problem of their choosing, document their research, and create a display. The information gathered may be student-performed research or a re-creation or simulation of research performed by the scientific community. A model or prototype of the solution must be included in the display.

Music Production Participants (three teams per state) produce a musical piece that is designed to be played during the national TSA conference opening or closing general sessions.
On Demand Video Participants (one team of two or more students per chapter; one entry per team) write, shoot, and edit a sixty second video during the conference in this on-site event.

Prepared Presentation Click here to view a video description of this eventParticipants (three individuals per state) deliver an oral presentation that includes audio and/or visual enhancement based on the theme for the current year's conference.

Promotional Graphics Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (two individuals per chapter; one entry each) develop and present a graphic design that can be used as a TSA recruitment tool and that includes the theme for the next year's conference.

Radio Controlled Transportation Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one team of two members per chapter; one entry per team) design, fabricate, test, and demonstrate the use of a radio-controlled vehicle that collects and distributes a load during a five minute demonstration. Evaluation is based on performance, vehicle craftsmanship, and documentation of design efforts.

Scientific and Technical Visualization (SCIVIZ) Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (three teams per state) develop a visualization focusing on a subject or topic from one or more of the following areas: technology, engineering, science, mathematics, or social studies.

Structural Engineering Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one team of two members per chapter; one entry per team) work as part of a team, on site with supplied materials, to build a model of a structure that is destructively tested to determine design efficiency.

System Control Technology Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one team of three members per state; one entry per team) work as part of a team on site to develop a computer-controlled model-solution to a problem, typically one from an industrial setting. Teams analyze the problem, build a computer-controlled mechanical model, program the model, explain the program and mechanical features of the model-solution, and leave instructions for evaluators to operate the device.

Technical Sketching and Application Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (two individuals per chapter) complete a written test in order to qualify as semifinalists. Semifinalists must demonstrate their ability to solve an on-site engineering graphics problem using standard drafting techniques.

Technology Bowl (Written and Oral) Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one team of three members per chapter) complete a written, objective test in order to qualify for oral question/response, head-to-head team competition.

Technology Dare Participants (one team of two members per chapter) design, fabricate, and demonstrate the application and control of mechanical, fluid, and electrical power by applying power and energy principles to move balls with a pneumatic flow. Evaluation is based on a demonstration of the application of mechanical, fluid, and electrical energy principles, and craftsmanship.

Technology Problem Solving Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one team of two members per chapter) use problem solving skills and limited materials to develop a solution to a problem given on site.

Transportation Modeling Click here for a video description of this eventParticipants (one individual per chapter; one entry per individual), using only certain materials and following required specifications, design and produce a CO2-powered scale model of a vehicle that fits the annual design problem and that takes appearance and performance into consideration.