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8th Grade
This 8th Grade course will help students develop an understanding of the different processes and procedures involved in advanced 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 two projects. Students will manufacture: A fully operational custom gumball machine and a water-bottle night light. Students will have the privilege to experience machine operations, sanding, painting, 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.
LED Star Project
Operational Gumball Machines
(This project requires moderate measuring)
The 2012-2013 school year was the first year that I taught 8th Grade Technology Education. I began to scramble for a new project for the students to manufacture that not only would be awesome and engaging, but something that would challenge students and require them to use a culmination of their problem-solving ability they had acquired from years past. I was able to effectively do this because I had built the 6th & 7th Grade Technology Education program at the Middle School and I had knowledge of my new 8th Grade Class’s ability and skill level.
After researching online and creatively thinking what to make, I finally decided on producing an operational gumball machine with a rotational arm known as the crank assembly. Containing about 10 to 12 parts, I knew this was going to be a challenge with five classes containing 25 – 32 students – but I accepted the challenge and moved forward.
After ordering the materials, and publishing a step-by-step tutorial packet, I had to set up all of the fixtures for each process and figured out the safest way to complete each of the tasks involved. As time went on, different characters were designed such as a duck, frog, bear, elephant, Perry the Platypus, Spongebob, and even an original gumball machine. Students worked vigorously on a project in which they had no idea what it would look like from a lack of examples. We just took it one step at a time and continued to chip away in a learning manner toward the succession of this project.
This project required students to solve basic manufacturing problems. One problem was the crank assembly would capture one gumball but cut the second one. Other problems involved the correct orientation of attaching the base to the block joined by two dowel rods, or legs.
The attachment of accessories on the main block, the base (feet), and paint color is what really brought the projects to life; giving them a unique look. After the projects were finished, I instructed the students to decorate the projects with unique features such as bow ties and other objects. Once completed, students felt an extreme sense of pride. They were very proud of what they just accomplished – As was I.
In conclusion, students at Laurel Highlands Middle School who transition from Grade School have something really nice to look forward to by exploring a new realm of education – Hands-on Technology Education. The best feeling as an educator is when students continuously say,” I can’t wait to have your class” or “I love your class”. This even led me to sometimes say on day one, “Welcome to Technology Education – Your favorite Class”. It tends to add a little character right out the starting block.
One reason I wanted to write this article is to showcase what we do in Technology Education. Pictures of the gumball machines will be posted on the school website under the “Technology Education” link on the homepage.
Click HERE for more awesome gumball machine pictures.
