This guide presents a model for a standards-based contemporary technology education course for the middle school. This model course guide features an exploratory curriculum thrust for a cornerstone middle level course. It provides teachers with an overview of the concept, suggestions for planning the course, and ideas for developing student-centered instruction. It also introduces the content and impacts of invention and innovation, the core concepts of technology and problem solving: design, troubleshooting, research and development, and experimentation. This guide also provides sample resources for teachers including Internet activities, worksheets, and suggested topics to further address Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology. This document is organized into the following chapters: (1) Course Introduction; (2) Course Framework and Units of Study; and (3) Appendix.