DESCRIPTION
Foundations of Technology
Intended Audience
9th Grade students (no prerequisite)
Course Overview
This course will focus on the three dimensions of technological
literacy: knowledge, ways of thinking and acting, and capabilities
with the goal of students developing the characteristics of
a technologically literate citizen. It will employ teaching/learning
strategies that enable students to build their own understanding
of new ideas. It is designed to engage students in exploring
and deepening their understanding of “big ideas”
regarding technology and makes use of a variety assessment
instruments to reveal the extent of understanding.
Students will develop and understanding of the influence of
technology on history by exploring how people of all times
and places have increased their capability by using their
unique skills to innovate, improvise and invent. They will
gain an understanding of technology innovation and the fact
that it often results when ideas, knowledge, or skills are
shared within a technology, among technologies or across other
fields of study. Students will develop an understanding of
engineering design, the formal process that transforms ideas
into products or systems of the designed world. They will
select and use manufacturing technologies and understand that
modern manufacturing technologies produce quality goods at
low prices, enhancing the quality of life for many people.
Students will select and use construction technologies and
recognize that cultural norms, environmental conditions, and
the requirements of enterprises and institutions impact the
design of structures. Opportunities will be provided that
enable students to select and use energy and power technologies
and to explore the processing and controlling of the energy
resources that have been important in the development of contemporary
technology. They will become familiar with information and
communications technologies and their role in maintaining
competitive economic growth. The course will conclude with
the synthesizing of major ideas through an understanding of
the core concepts of technology with an emphasis on systems-thinking
and related principles.
Course Length
36 weeks recommended
Connections
The Foundations of Technology course is one component of the
overall technology education program designed to prepare students
for the technological world by preparing them to assume the
roles of informed voters, productive workers, and wise consumers.
The Foundations of Technology course will focus on the development
of knowledge and skills regarding the following aspects of
technology: 1) its evolution, 2) systems, 3) core concepts,
4) design, and 5) utilization.
The Foundations of Technology is an introductory high school
level learning experience that builds on student understanding
gained in elementary and middle school courses. It capitalizes
on the maturing adolescent’s ability to understand technological
concepts and analyze issues regarding the application of technology.
The course will prepare students for more specialized technology
courses at the high school level such as Engineering Design,
Technological Design, Technological Issues and Impacts, Advanced
Design Applications and Advanced Technological Applications.
