Technology Education
Students in Howell Township are fortunate in that they are immersed in a technological atmosphere, educated in the areas of both technology and computers. Although many people equate Technology Education with Computers, there are distinct differences between the two subject areas. Technology Education is the study of technology and its effects on individuals, society, and civilization. In Computers class, students are taught general systems operating functions, computer hardware, Internet navigation and etiquette, research skills, spreadsheets, database usage, multimedia presentations, desktop publishing, and web page design.
Technology Education challenges students to discover, create, solve problems, and construct solutions. Students are able to gain an appreciation for and an understanding of the relationship between technology and society through hands-on, problem solving activities. Our Technology Education program forces students to utilize their critical thinking and problem solving skills and apply concepts such as research and design, flight technology, simple machines, aerodynamics, and construction to design solutions to various hands-on problems.
The sixth grade Technology Education program provides a general introduction to Technology. It concentrates on the Design Problem Solving Loop and provides students with an opportunity to use critical thinking skills in order to solve a wide range of different problems. As part of the sixth grade program, students must design a Marble Machine, which will transport a marble for as long as it possibly can, using a very limited amount of materials.
Activities and projects in the sixth grade force the students to apply their new knowledge of the design loop to solve a problem. Some of the other Technology Learning Activities (TLA's) include: Book Support, Paper Tower, and Magnetic Levitation. The sixth grade course culminates with the designing, building, and flying of a hot air balloon.
Seventh grade Technology further explores specific technologies. These technologies include: Research & Design, Flight Technology, and Simple Machines. Through the use of Research & Design, students design and build CO2 Dragsters. Steps leading up to the finished produce include Wind Tunnel Testing, as well as actually racing the CO2 cars.
Students also explore Flight Technology as part of their seventh grade technology education. Students study flight, beginning with the Wright Brothers in 1903, to present day. Flight theory is also studied and demonstrated through a series of small projects, leading to their final project, building a model airplane to demonstrate how the different control devices work.
Lastly, seventh grade students study Simple Machines. Simple machines are all around us doing both very simple tasks as well as very complicated tasks. There are seven simple machines in which the students study through the use of the LEGO Dacta system.
In eighth grade Technology, students learn how to generate ideas, and become effective problem solvers. This is done through a series of hands-on projects, which allows the students to sharpen their problem solving skills focusing on three major projects throughout the semester. The areas of study for eighth grade include: Structures, Computer Publishing & Digital Imaging, and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD).
The Technology program in the Howell Township Public School system has been designed as a three-year program where each year builds off of the year before. When our students choose what high school they want to attend, they will be able to better narrow down their selection due to their experiences in technology class.
We are able to expand upon students' interest in technology through our Technology Student Association (TSA) Chapters, which is an integral component of our Technology Education Program. TSA provides students with the opportunity to expand upon their decision-making and leadership skills. Students involved in the TSA compete in State and National competitions such as, Cyberspace Pursuit, Digital Photography Challenge, Medical Technology Challenge, and Structural Challenge.
At the elementary level, students are introduced to the various facets of Technology Education through the Science curriculum.
Technology Education challenges students to discover, create, solve problems, and construct solutions. Students are able to gain an appreciation for and an understanding of the relationship between technology and society through hands-on, problem solving activities. Our Technology Education program forces students to utilize their critical thinking and problem solving skills and apply concepts such as research and design, flight technology, simple machines, aerodynamics, and construction to design solutions to various hands-on problems.
The sixth grade Technology Education program provides a general introduction to Technology. It concentrates on the Design Problem Solving Loop and provides students with an opportunity to use critical thinking skills in order to solve a wide range of different problems. As part of the sixth grade program, students must design a Marble Machine, which will transport a marble for as long as it possibly can, using a very limited amount of materials.
Activities and projects in the sixth grade force the students to apply their new knowledge of the design loop to solve a problem. Some of the other Technology Learning Activities (TLA's) include: Book Support, Paper Tower, and Magnetic Levitation. The sixth grade course culminates with the designing, building, and flying of a hot air balloon.
Seventh grade Technology further explores specific technologies. These technologies include: Research & Design, Flight Technology, and Simple Machines. Through the use of Research & Design, students design and build CO2 Dragsters. Steps leading up to the finished produce include Wind Tunnel Testing, as well as actually racing the CO2 cars.
Students also explore Flight Technology as part of their seventh grade technology education. Students study flight, beginning with the Wright Brothers in 1903, to present day. Flight theory is also studied and demonstrated through a series of small projects, leading to their final project, building a model airplane to demonstrate how the different control devices work.
Lastly, seventh grade students study Simple Machines. Simple machines are all around us doing both very simple tasks as well as very complicated tasks. There are seven simple machines in which the students study through the use of the LEGO Dacta system.
In eighth grade Technology, students learn how to generate ideas, and become effective problem solvers. This is done through a series of hands-on projects, which allows the students to sharpen their problem solving skills focusing on three major projects throughout the semester. The areas of study for eighth grade include: Structures, Computer Publishing & Digital Imaging, and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD).
The Technology program in the Howell Township Public School system has been designed as a three-year program where each year builds off of the year before. When our students choose what high school they want to attend, they will be able to better narrow down their selection due to their experiences in technology class.
We are able to expand upon students' interest in technology through our Technology Student Association (TSA) Chapters, which is an integral component of our Technology Education Program. TSA provides students with the opportunity to expand upon their decision-making and leadership skills. Students involved in the TSA compete in State and National competitions such as, Cyberspace Pursuit, Digital Photography Challenge, Medical Technology Challenge, and Structural Challenge.
At the elementary level, students are introduced to the various facets of Technology Education through the Science curriculum.
Students in the Technology Education program at MSS teach first grade students at Aldrich about the theory of magnetic levitation and how it applies to transportation.