Technology education is often viewed as relating to computer technology, but nothing could be further from the truth. Technology is the development part of science, the "hands-on" area which is so often overshadowed by the theory part of science. These pages are for the hands on part of science. Call it, "dirty hands physics" Take theory and put it into a practical problem solving project which students at all grade levels can see that theory in practice and learn to make it work for them! Problem solving and critical thinking are must learn skills for students to have and develop if they are in any way going to be successful in the world today. The traditional shop courses which as once taught in schools are developing into a technology based field of study that must foster the development of critical thinking and problem solving skill. As technology advances the way and means of manipulating materials and equipment for new and innovative processes, students must be taught the thinking skills needed to keep pace with change and to be comfortable working in such an environment . The projects listed here are ones that will tax a students brain to think and solve a problem. Marble maze is an introduction to the junior to problem solving. A simple but at the same time, complex problem for most students. The Hold up is not about banks, but does involve money, design, construction and a budget to build a bridge! To Arms gets the students into control concepts with a basic manual robotic arm. Rats! A limited amount of power propels a vehicle down a 10 meter track within a specified time limit. Water rockets teach the physics of acceleration with the problems of construction to deal with such forces. If you though a model chemical rocket was fast, just try these. At 120  psi. of air and 250 ml. in a 2 liter pop bottle you can't even see it  launching! Powered by a brick looks at the problem of a limited power supply, 7 to 10 seconds of time to make it all work, and how to stop the power being used at the right time in the best manner possible. Wall climber deals with limited power supply vs. limited engine power, traction, gravity and design. Over under deals with solving a technical problem via remote control, good design and construction! The bar stool racer is geared towards following plans and working out problems as they arise to develop a complete operating vehicle. This project is more oriented to individual work than a problem solving lab. There is a fairly high cost involved to build the project and it will take about one hundred and fifty hours of work. For the advanced student this is a very technically challenging project and one which great success can be had if the student is dedicated to working on it.

LABS Junior classes Marble Maze The Hold Up  To Arms Rats   Water Rockets Brick Power Senior Classes Over-Under Wall Climber  Bar Stool Racer    The bars tool is a link to another site. Use the back button to return to this page Journal work sheets. Problem Solving Flow Chart The journal worksheets should be copied for each lab. They are usable for all the processes which the students are working on. The flow chart can be used for all labs except the barstool racer.  Please note that all of this material is copyright   protected. You may use it but the copyright notice to the below MUST be placed on the material you use.   Copyright, 2000 L.Dale Hynes All rights reserved

Resources<