As sensors and computers become smaller and smaller, it becomes possible to add intelligence or smartness to common items. This is already seen in smart appliances, cars that diagnose their own maintenance problems, and military hardware that is something straight out of a science fiction book. In this article, the author looks at a design…

Informal education (IE) refers to activities that occur outside the school setting, and that were not primarily developed for school use or as part of a school curriculum. Informal education is an important component of the teaching of technology and engineering education, adding relevance to student experiences. The practice of informal education…

An understanding of energy is critical to today's students, as energy-related spending in the United States tops 500 billion dollars per year (U.S. Department of Energy, 2010). Often, students do not consider where something as common as electricity comes from in order to charge an MP3 player or power a microwave. Students can realize real-world…

As technology education continues to consider a move toward an engineering design focus as proposed by various leaders in technology education, it will be necessary to employ new pedagogical approaches. Hill (2006) provided some new perspectives regarding pedagogical approaches for technology education with an engineering design focus. One…

There is concern about the diminishing availability of skilled personnel that can operate in the wide variety of disciplines associated with port operations. Increasing cargo volume, combined with a shrinking workforce, could potentially create alarming situations in the future, hence the motivation to publicize to current students the breadth and…

This article describes the "Kick Stick" activity from Design Squad Nation, in which kids turn a wooden paint stirrer and circuit into a motorized, spinning arm--then use it to kick a Ping-Pong[R] ball across the floor. Teachers can enrich their students' exploration of circuits and emphasize the engineering design process with "Design Squad…

Artists have used a variety of materials over the years for sculpting. They have been quick to use unusual pieces of technology to make a vibrant and unique statement, just as painters have created and used a wide variety of colors and derived pigments for their canvases. In this article, the author discusses a design challenge that gives students…

Technology education transitions and trendsetting changes have occurred in the past two decades. Despite strong support from leadership, technology education curricular offerings continued to follow societal norms in terms of preparing students to be productive members of society. Although technology education as a school subject has gained…

STEM studies and technological literacy are hot topics at the national and state level. At the October 20, 2009 Massachusetts STEM Summit, Lt. Governor Tim Murray spoke of the need for greater efforts in preparing our students for their technological future. In workshops throughout the day, speakers reiterated the same thing in many ways: neither…

Since the early 1980s, technology education has undergone several changes, incorporating new philosophies, new courses, and even a new name. This discipline, which is historically rooted in industrial arts, has endeavored to carve out a niche based on preparing students for careers, hands-on applications of mathematics and science, critical…

Design and drafting are subjects long taught in technology education, and subjects that retain high status in the profession. Admittedly, since the initial publication of Standards for Technological Literacy in 2000, design has taken on a larger role and meaning in the technology education profession. However, design continues to be delivered…

People around the world are concerned about affordable energy. It is needed to power the global economy. Petroleum-based transportation and coal-fired power plants are economic prime movers fueling the global economy, but coal and gasoline are also the leading sources of air pollution. Both of these sources produce greenhouse gases and toxins.…

Street intersections are a source of accidents--for both automobiles and pedestrians. This article presents an intersection challenge that allows students to explore some possible ways to change the traditional intersection. In this challenge, teachers open up the boundaries and allow students to redesign their world. The first step is to help…

Does the nation need K-12 engineering education standards? The answer to this question is paradoxically both simple and complex, and requires an examination of a rationale for such standards as well as the opportunities and barriers to developing and implementing the standards. In two decades since 1989, the idea of national standards for…

Exemplary and fun technology education classes in high schools are always welcome. The author introduces bridge building to his ninth graders and other students who comprise the Introduction to Engineering and Technology course within the first two months of the fall semester. In Georgia, Introduction to Engineering and Technology is the first of…