This article discusses how students in a college-entry-level CAD course researched four generations of their family histories and documented cultural and symbolic influences within their family backgrounds. AutoCAD software was then used to manipulate those cultural and symbolic images to create the design for a multicultural area rug. AutoCAD was…

The purpose of the technology fair is to enhance technological problem-solving skills. This article discusses a technology fair centered on a university/school partnership, which raised the level of complexity both with administrative and scientific issues. The end result of such partnerships is that schools have the opportunity to demonstrate an…

This instructional module examines a key function of science and technology: problem solving. It studies the meaning of problem solving, looks at techniques for problem solving, examines case studies that exemplify the problem-solving approach, presents problems for the reader to solve, and provides a student self-quiz. (Author/CT)

A model technology education program, implemented in the Chicago public schools, featured public and private sector cooperation. Successful program elements included museum choice programs, teacher retraining and mini-conventions, and summer orientation sessions. (CH)

The authors state that the change process, and especially the need for continual change in technology education (industrial arts), must be taught during the teacher training period. Inservice programs and workshops are cited as excellent methods of curriculum innovation dissemination. Engineers and technicians serving as consultants are also…

The Society of Automotive Engineers is involved in developing middle school curriculum for technology education based on authentic engineering design challenges. The design brief model fits real-world practices and integrates science, math, and technology. (SK)

Describes the process of changing from industrial arts to technology education through the building of a solar hot dog cooker. (JOW)

Describes a learning activity that involves planning a community and then altering the transportation system to meet new specifications. Includes the rationale for the activity, how it fits into the technology education curriculum, and how it was implemented to fit a variety of age and grade levels. (JOW)

Describes the Iowa Technology Loan Program, developed to provide teacher updates on contemporary topics for technology education programs. The program consists of workshops on technology followed by an opportunity to borrow equipment for a four-week period. (JOW)

Describes the integration of a multimedia technology component into a fifth-grade social studies and geography unit. Includes a learning activity using a geography videodisc. (JOW)

The more time and effort that a technology education teacher takes to make facilitative responses, the more the student will take responsibility for learning outcomes. Responses focusing on feelings, attitudes and values, clarifying and supporting, and questioning and supporting provide a basis for counseling and interacting with students. (JOW)

Reviews types of alternative energy sources and provides a design brief with objectives, materials, student quiz, student outcomes, and references. (SK)

Technology education can and should play a role in the development of ideas through problem solving to assist teachers of students with disabilities. Technology teachers can adapt the Engineering for Success model in working with these students. (JOW)

If middle or high school students were asked to define mathematics, they would probably respond with course titles or functions of mathematics that they have completed; i.e., ratios, proportions, algebra, geometry. However, a more open-ended and broader definition or meaning of mathematics is the study of patterns. It is with the latter definition…

In October 2005, the Technology for All Americans Project (TfAAP) came to an end, having far exceeded its goals. TfAAP delivered a philosophical basis of the need for technological literacy (ITEA, 1996); content, student assessment, professional development, and program standards for technological literacy (ITEA, 2000/2002; 2003), and practical…