Technology


Computer Literacy Curriculum Document Gr. 6-8 pdf icon

Appropriate Use of Electronic Information Services

Technology is comprised of two parts: career technical education (pre-engineering) and computer technology; approximately sixty-five percent of our students rotate through these elective classes.

Career technical education students focus on the practical applications of math, science, and writing skills of the curriculum as they practice measuring skills using various types of rulers, scales, graphs, and tables. Activities are assigned that encourage critical thinking and use the techniques taught in class when constructing projects.

Sixth graders draft and build balsa wood cubes, which are computer-tested, resulting in a real-time graph of the crush force. The seventh graders study and build bridge-like structures, which are then tested using calculations obtained from measuring the crush weight. Team projects such as solar car construction and racing; their experiences are then written in essay format. Eighth graders study friction, acceleration, inertia, mass, and aerodynamics as they apply these laws to a racecar by building a CO2 car.

The computer technology curriculum allows students to recognize the potential of the computer as a tool for enriching their lives. Students are introduced to the many facets of computer application and meet specific competencies in word processing, desktop publishing, and other hands-on computer based activities. They are guided on the proper use of the Internet when researching for projects and use the Six Traits of Writing when word processing their reports.

One of the unique features of the computer classes is the video-editing component; students collaborate and create their own movies. The eighth graders are currently doing 30-second public service announcements on the percentage of school dropouts, staying in school, and bullying. Seventh graders are learning PowerPoint and doing a presentation on a foreign country. Sixth graders are learning desktop publishing and producing Internet safety posters and brochures. The yearbook staff is in the lab a minimum of three days a week to plan and design the yearbook. During this time, digital images are uploaded, copy is written, and pages are created. This is the first year the book is being produced digitally online.