National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has already sent many technological instruments into outer space. All these instruments were designed and built especially to operate in harsh and alien environments. How do NASA engineers know what kinds of planetary instruments to develop in the first place? Well, they ask. Once engineers…

High Point Regional High School may be the first high school in New Jersey, and possibly the nation, to offer programs that satisfy nearly all of the technology education content standards represented in "Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology." The technology content standards were the school's…

Technological literacy is necessary to make informed decisions about personal and societal choices. The competitive global economy also requires more intelligent use of technology. (SK)

This learning activity describes how a robot moves and the systems that power robots. Provides detailed information about XBOT, which uses modified servomotors to power its wheels. (JOW)

Attempts to allay the confusion between technology education and educational technology. Discusses their purpose and direction as well as the standards used in both areas.(JOW)

Radio frequency identification, or RFID, is a generic term for technologies that use radio waves to automatically identify people or objects. There are several methods of identification, but the most common is to store a serial number that identifies a person or object, and perhaps other information, on a microchip that is attached to an antenna…

Research indicates that most Americans don't understand the technologies that surround them--the products and systems designed to fill a specific need. From water filtration to wheelchairs, from pens to PDAs, people use technology, often without fully comprehending how these tools are designed, developed, and function. In response, the Museum of…

Integrating supportive design features and technology into the home are excellent ways to plan to make a home "age-friendly." When an immediate need occurs for eliminating barriers in an existing home, supportive design features and technology will most often need to be examined, and some form of implementation will need to take place. While…

Robotics is a rich and exciting multidisciplinary area to study and learn about electronics and control technology. The interest in robotic devices and systems provides the technology teacher with an excellent opportunity to make many concrete connections between electronics, control technology, and computers and science, engineering, and…

In this message from the International Technology Education Association (ITEA) president, Andy Stephenson stresses the need for technology, innovation, design, and engineering (TIDE) education. He cites the recent report--"Preparing for the Perfect Storm, a Report on the Forum, Taking Action Together: Developing a National Plan to Address the…

"Designer babies" is a term used by journalists and commentators--not by scientists--to describe several different reproductive technologies. These technologies have one thing in common: they give parents more control over what their offspring will be like. Designer babies are made possible by progress in three fields: (1) Advanced…

Sound provides and offers amazing insights into the world. Sound waves may be defined as mechanical energy that moves through air or other medium as a longitudinal wave and consists of pressure fluctuations. Humans and animals alike use sound as a means of communication and a tool for survival. Mammals, such as bats, use ultrasonic sound waves to…

To prepare students for several changes in careers during their lifetime, Technology Challenge is a program designed to meet the challenges in the evolution of technology education from traditional industrial arts. In a laboratory setting, students solve real-world problems using computer technology. (JOW)

Technology assessment is the process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating potential consequences of technology. Tools for assessing and forecasting impact include relevance trees and futures wheels. Activities based on these tools can be used to teach assessment to technology education students. (SK)

Details the kind of information technology-related experiences that all curricula should share. Gives examples from elementary and middle schools. Lists goals, subgoals, and activities from the National Educational Technology Standards for Students. (JOW)