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7th Grade
This 7th Grade course will help students develop an understanding of the different processes and procedures involved in basic Manufacturing and Construction Technology. It will also give students a hands-on approach to tool selection and usage for completing specific technology- related tasks. After an extensive lesson on measuring and lab safety, a prerequisite to complete the projects, students will begin completing a total of three projects. Students will manufacture: The Laurel Highlands Light Show, The game board Trouble™, and a working clock project. Students will have the privilege to experience machine operations, sanding, spray painting, wood burning, assembly, wiring, and many other modern-day technological processes. Each class will begin with a demonstration and follow through with the students completing what they observed during that demonstration. By extensively focusing on measuring, fractions, and other Math concepts, this Technology Education class will not only help students score higher on their PSSA tests, but give students a sense of accomplishment and success.
Clock Projects
(This project requires no measuring)
The clock project, a legendary accomplishment, is one of the first projects in Technology Education that students can choose any custom design in a display of manufacturing freedom. I have a box of about 200 patterns for students to choose from. These patterns include anything from the Pittsburgh Penguins logo to the famous deer silhouette chosen by many young hunters. As time permits, students may also design new patterns under my supervision. After choosing a pattern, students trace the pattern onto stock Poplar to be cut by the scroll saw. Once the project is cut out, students begin sanding the project. The image is transferred by using carbon paper. The image is then permanently engraved into the surface by a process known as wood-burning. Students then begin applying color to the image by means of colored pencils. Colored pencils can be used since we use low odor, water-based finish. With a larger price tag, overall, the water-base finish definitely outweighs traditional oil-base polyurethane. Oil-base finish is harsh, and not only contains harmful fumes, but would break down and dissolve the wax from the colored pencils as well. After two coats of finish are applied, a third and final coat follows a steel wool demonstration. Assembly and evaluation are the last steps of this project. This is one of the first projects that really reinforces a student’s creativity and self-esteem in the manufacturing world – A true ‘eye opener’. This project costs approximately $4.50 to make
Trouble Game Board
(This project requires moderate measuring)
The Trouble Game Board is a project that requires students to use an array of manufacturing techniques. The project requires students to draw extremely straight parallel and perpendicular lines. It also requires students to measure, mark, and drill 72 accurate holes. The drill bit used in the drilling operation is a 17/64" drill bit. By using a drill bit 1/64" larger than the 1/4" dowel rod, the pegs will fit firm enough to not wobble but also be loose enough for comfortable game play . Students will also experience how to measure, mark, and cut 1/4" dowel rods at 1-1/2" lengths. They will be cut on the scroll saw. The project will be ran through the table router by students to give the game nice rounded edges. Unlike the brushed on finish that the clock project requires, students will experience how to apply clear finish from a spray can. After the project is dry, the students may apply the color rings to the board to designate important peg location. This is a project that requires students to apply a comprehensive knowledge base in order to be successful. The species of lumber in the above picture is Oak.
LED Light Show Project
(This project requires extensive measuring)
Developed and designed by Mr. Valente, this project costs about $1.50 to manufacture. Composed of craft sticks, LED lights, clothes pins, wires, and batteries, the Light Show project requires students to accurately measure and cut – failure to do so will greatly reduce the symmetric lighting effect displayed by the project. Setting students up for success and building self-esteem, our Technology Education program offers great benefits to a child’s educational endeavor. Students are privileged to not only learn about Mathematics, but they get to apply Mathematics as well; an application with great incentives – Their very own light show!
The front and back walls of the project both consist of 29 craft sticks each. The measured sticks start at 1” and increase in 1/8” increments up to 2 ¾”, then back down to 1” to create a symmetric design.
Inside, students install three LED lights connected to 3-volt wafer batteries with wires. Students are able to choose a variety of lights that they want to use. I have a variety of LED lights ranging from solid colors to slow or fast color changing. These lights were purchased on Ebay. Clothes pins with attached wires are used as battery connectors. The spring in the clothes pin, a useful mechanical object, holds the battery in place as students enjoy their light show.
Mr. Valente was inspired by wires and LED lights as young as 13 years old. Through education and morals instilled by family, my dream was turned into a reality. Nothing is better than getting the opportunity to instruct others on how to fabricate and manufacture the projects of this nature. It is so rewarding to see the accomplishment in a student’s eyes when they finally complete their projects. The feedback I have received on this project from the students, parents, and staff is very positive. After successfully completing a working project like this, students truly leave my class with a sense of pride.
