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Technology Education
Ken Rufty
CHARLES C ERWIN MIDDLE
Zip Code: 28146

Page Last Updated Dec 19, 2011
Number of Visits: 1260

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Welcome to the Erwin Tech Lab

Lab  Updates

Parents are always welcome in the lab - especially during our end-of-quarter wrap up days when we launch our rockets, test our bridges and race our dragsters. Just stop by the office for a pass if you want to join us.

General Information
The Tech Lab is home to Erwin’s Tech Systems class, which is an optional Exploratory class. A student might be scheduled into Tech Systems for one quarter each year. During that time they work in at least  five of the lab’s modules. (More on the modules below.)

The lab consists of seventeen workstations, which we call modules. Each module covers an area of technology. Students work in a module for seven days, usually with a partner. The modules and a brief description of each are listed below.  Ask your child to give you a more detailed explanation of his or her modules!

Engines

Students are introduced to the history, theory, and applications of engines. They learn shop and equipment safety, basic operating principles, parts and tools. The hands-on activity is to tear down a four-stroke go-cart engine.

Creative Problem Solving

Students learn problem solving by applying the steps of a problem-solving model to develop a solution.  They use software to complete brainstorming activities and learn about famous problem solvers and inventions.

CADD

Students use computer-aided drafting (CAD) software to explore the fundamentals of drafting. They use CAD software to create multi-view drawings of a geometric solid. Students also use CAD software to design a house, furnish it, decorate it and take a virtual tour of it.

CNC Manufacturing

Students explore the manufacturing process and important inventions that have advanced these various processes. They learn the relationship of CAD software to manufacturing and use CAD to design projects that are later engraved using the CNC machine.

Careers

Students will assess their personal interests and utilize computer software to match interests with related careers.  They will research career choices information such as the amount of education/training required and type of tasks.

Carbon Footprint

Students will learn about the transportation, agriculture, energy and  consumers sectors of the carbon footprint.  They will track and measure their own carbon footprint and learn about the element carbon and about hydrocarbons and fossil fuels.

Rocket Science

Students learn about the scientific principles of flight, propulsion, and aerodynamics. Newton’s laws of motion are introduced and explained in practical terms. Students construct a water-fueled rocket.

In compliance with federal law, the Rowan-Salisbury School System administers all educational programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability, or gender, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law.

Energy, Power and Mechanics
Students gain a basic understanding of energy sources, the principles of power technology, and the concept of mechanical advantage and machines. Students learn about solar energy, wind energy, levers, gears and sprockets, and fluid mechanics.

Computer Graphics and Animation
Students learn how the use of computers can enhance the products created by professional artists and animators. Students will use the computer to produce several projects: a short animation, a virtual world, a face morphing movie, and a variety of advertisements.

Electricity
Students work with batteries, light bulbs, wires and a motor to build series and parallel circuits. They use a digital multi-meter to measure resistance, amperage and voltage. They learn about insulators, conductors, magnets and generators.

Engineering - Bridges
Students design and build a fourteen-inch bridge using balsa wood strips. Their goal is to build the most efficient bridge: the lightest bridge that holds the heaviest load without collapsing.

Future Fuels
Students will explore the history of human energy use and compare different types of available future fuels.  They will compare and contrast renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

Robotics
Students learn the history of robots and modern uses for robots. They learn how to operate, program and use robots in different environments.

Research and Design
Students design and build a dragster out of a wood block. They learn how to shape and finish the block to increase its aerodynamics and decrease its weight.

Construction Management
Students design and sketch a parking lot for a project along with using architectural  drafting software to create a basic floor plan of a building.  Students will develop a budget for a project and finalize a proposal.

Flight
Students learn how the shape of an airfoil generates lift. They use that knowledge to build and test a model wing. They learn the principles of flying an airplane and use that knowledge to operate two flight simulators.

Audio Broadcasting
Students use our model radio station to record a fifteen minute radio broadcast that includes music, news, weather, sports and commercials.

to Contact ken rufty by email         ruftykw@rss.k12.nc.us
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