Novices to the design process often struggle at first to understand the various stages of design. Learning to design is a process not easily mastered, and therefore requires multiple levels of exposure to the design process. It is helpful if teachers are able to implement various entry-level design assignments such as reverse-engineering…

Over the past three years, the authors have conducted research in middle and high school classrooms in an effort to improve the effectiveness of robotics to teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education--their focus has been on math. The authors have found that subtle changes in the design and setup of the lesson make a…

The integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics content (STEM) has become a mainstream topic within educational systems. This paper discusses the technology integration model for education and the factors to be considered when taking into account technology education as a focal point of integrated curricula. These factors are:…

Synectics is a creative problem-solving process developed by William J. J. Gordon and George Prince in the 1960s (Gordon, 1961). A result of Gordon and Prince observing brainstorming sessions that achieved varying levels of success, Synectics outlines the processes that people can use to help them overcome mental blocks while working on difficult…

TRIZ (pronounced TREES), the Russian acronym for the theory of inventive problem solving, enables a person to focus his attention on finding genuine, potential solutions in contrast to searching for ideas that "may" work through a happenstance way. It is a patent database-backed methodology that helps to reduce time spent on the problem,…

This article talks about technological education in Ontario schools through their Broad-Based Technologies model. The philosophy that underlies the teaching of Broad-Based Technology is that students learn best by doing, with an emphasis on problem solving. The curriculum is an activity-based, project-driven approach to learning that provides…

In this article, the authors discusses Visualization in Technology Education (VisTE). VisTE units are designed to enhance students' knowledge in science, develop good visual and presentation skills, understand emerging technologies, and most of all help with the integration of standards that promote technological literacy. Technological changes…

Students use tables of anthropometric data, their own measurements, underlying principles of physics, and math to solve a problem. The problem is to determine the height of a wall mirror, and where to mount it, so that 90% of the clientele can view their entire length without stretching or bending. (Author)

Thinking and doing are both necessary to prepare technological problem solvers. The key is designing learning that will result in creative, functional, and open-ended technological thinkers. (JOW)

Features of this model for technology education are human needs and wants, problems/opportunities, resources, technological processes, technological knowledge, evaluation, and solutions/impacts. (SK)

Environmental literacy can be a significant part of technology education's efforts to prepare students for citizenship. Infusing technology education with environmental issues, problems, and concepts enables integration across the curriculum. (SK)

Sheds light on the state of teaching problem solving in technology education and offers suggestions for enhancement. Suggests that teachers need to become aware of the natural process of solving problems so that students can be taught to use their natural thinking skills. (Author/JOW)

The author cites several examples to demonstrate what artificial intelligence currently can do for users and discusses the likely future applications of intelligent machinery. (CH)

Provides information on the problems with the Hubble Space Telescope and how the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is trying to fix it. Includes a student quiz and possible student outcomes. (JOW)

Defines tessellations as closed geometric shapes that completely cover a surface without gaps or overlaps. Suggests how they can be used in technology class activities. (JOW)