The primary goal of middle-level technology education programs is helping students become technologically literate.  Consistent with their abilities, interests, and educational needs, students completing Exploring Technology should achieve the following:

• Identify the historical, current, and future developments of technology and their impact and potential on earth and space.
• Apply higher-order thinking skills to solve technological problems.
• Use tools, materials and processes safely and efficiently.
• Strengthen creative abilities, positive self-image, and individual potential in technology.
• Explore occupations and educational programs for technology-oriented careers.

Marsteller middle school has 3 technology education labs.  Labs 1 and 3 each provide twelve “synergistic systems” modules allowing students to explore the diversity of technology.  A module is a specific seven-day lesson on a particular technology area.  All modules include goals, pre-test, vocabulary, daily research questions, module review, post-test and exploration lab activities.  Enrichment assignments provide extra credit opportunities, which are completed in the lab.  Activities include the use of module-related tools, or equipment.  Specific safety instructions are provided through the computer presentation and reinforced through the general safety rules provided to all students by the teacher to ensure that students have an understanding of these requirements and expectations and to ensure a safe environment and experience for all students. 

Although designed for completion in seven school days, additional sessions are provided to all students at the conclusion of the seven-day rotation based on the need of the individuals.  The modules incorporate the entire learning process of the lesson through interactive multimedia presentations in addition to hands-on activities to emphasize and model the concepts delivered through the module.  Within the modules and Tech. Ed. Curriculum, support of state competencies and related academic SOL’s occur.  The module environment also directs students in successfully learning to manage their time in the labs.

A teacher software management program will be used to schedule students and classes and complete grade averages.  Students will be required to chart and monitor their daily progress through the use of a point system and portfolio provided in the module lab.

Lab 2 is designed as a large group production lab involving students with the use of tools, materials, machines and related processes in producing a teacher assigned project/model.

Technology Education Module and Group Assignments

The following is a list of Synergistic System modules in which students may be assigned.  Each module assignment takes a minimum of seven module sessions to complete.  However, all students may receive a minimum of one or two extra sessions to complete their work after session seven.  A group activity day may follow the module assignment.  The next assigned module rotation will continue after the discovery day or conclusion of the previous module.  Demonstrations and specific safety rules for tools, materials and machines are presented throughout the synergistic session presentations and reinforced by the classroom teacher before activities begin.

Lab 1                        Lab 3

1.         Light & Lasers                           1.         Simple Machines

2.         Creative Solutions                     2.         Digital Video

3.         Digital Design                           3.         Energy, Power & Mechanics

4.         Forces                                      4.         CADD

5.         Interior Design                         5.         Flight Technology

6.         Engineering Bridges                  6.         Package Design

7.         Electricity                                 7.         Webmaster

8.         Weather                                   8.         Engineering Towers

9.         Digital Transportation                9.         Engines

10.       Graphic Communication           10.       Plastics & Polymers

11.       Music & Sound                        11.       Robots

12.       Audio Broadcasting                  12.       Computer Graphics & Animation 

Lab 2

Group production activities take place in Lab 2.  Assignments and activities involve students in structured problem solving activities, which require students to explore tools, machines and materials as resources of Technology.

All students are provided specific safety and use instructions for all tools and materials involved in the model process.  Each student is required to follow both the general safety rules and specific teacher instructions for the safe and correct use of all items, while participating in the lab activities.

6th Grade Projects from: Mega Clip, Metal Tool Tray, Game Board, Boat, Magleve Racer, Gum Ball Machine, Air Rocket.