Provides a brief history of industrial arts curriculum development, a rationale for a technology-based study of industrial arts, and the use of a systems view in understanding and interpreting technology. (SK)

Discusses various elements which must be considered in the development of industrial arts curriculum: society and culture, human adaptive systems, the universal systems model, system processes, the role of schooling, and curriculum theory. (CT)

Clarifies and stimulates interest in the concept of the human systems approach; presents a theoretical framework that incorporates systems and subsystems in industrial arts; and suggests an activity for teachers to implement an idea that was stimulated by the theoretical framework and a need in industry. (CT)