Design as a construct has multiple meanings depending on context, function, and agenda. This paper proposes to set out functions of design as it manifests in the context of technological activity for the purposes of technology education. The importance of context and by association intention in technological and designerly activity is presented…

The intention of this article is to provide Technology and Engineering Educators (T&EEs) with a more thorough understanding of the product realization process (PRP) being implemented during machine design. Machines can be defined as the combination of simple machines and mechanisms for the purpose of doing work (Hughes & Merrill, 2021b).…

This article describes central tenets for design thinking and entrepreneurial thinking individually, then examines their intersection to analyze a product's feasibility in the market. The conceptual framework of combining design and entrepreneurial thinking can foster novelty in design, and also provides a means of extending instruction in the…

The use of CO[subscript 2] laser cutters/engravers in technology and engineering education "allows even beginning students to produce professional parts in a very short time [and] empowers and motivates students, helping to bring out their creativity" (Flowers, 2000, p. 11). They are fast, accurate, fun to use, and they facilitate…

The intention of this article is to provide Technology and Engineering Educators (T&EEs) with a more thorough understanding of implementing the product realization process (PRP) to help manage the design and development processes in their classrooms. The product realization process (PRP) innately involves a practical combination of knowledge,…

This reflective essay provides a lesson plan-ready overview of sustainability developed through the efforts of a dedicated team of individuals within the Falls Church City Public School (FCCPS) System. Students in the marquee sustainability education program learn and develop an appreciation for the basics of growing food and the importance of…

Teaching students the design process and providing opportunities for design is at the core of engineering/technology education. The design process is a key feature of technological literacy, and design is the most represented element within "Standards for Technological Literacy" (ITEA/ITEEA 2000, 2002/2007; Lewis, 2005; Wicklein, 2006).…

Design is core element of general technology education internationally. While there is a degree of contention with regards to its treatment, there is general consensus that the inclusion of design in some form is important, if not characteristic, of the subject area. Acknowledging that design is important, there are many questions which need to be…

The importance of design and technology (D&T) education has been advocated by numerous researchers over the last three decades. For instance, Nigel Cross suggests that in design education, there are ill-defined problems and "designerly ways of knowing" (2006). Today D&T in school education is employed globally and the common…

Design and technology (D&T) is taught in most primary (5-11 year old children) and secondary schools (11-16 year olds) in England. Seen by some as a relatively new subject (White, 2011), some of its origins lie in craft tradition and domestic skills. This is partly reflected in classroom activities where children design and make, usually in…

One effort to reducing air pollution and global warming in recent years has centered on the replacement of fossil-fuel-burning vehicles with alternative energy options such as electric-powered transportation. In fact, electric vehicle technology is one of the fastest-growing, and ever-evolving, sectors of the energy industry (TR Fastenings, 2019).…

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), adopted by the United Nations in 2003, is one example where safety has served as a universal language. GHS has helped countries provide uniform chemical labels and safety data sheets (SDS). It also provided a series of chemical hazard pictograms that are now…

For as long as the profession of technology and engineering education (TEE) has existed (the addition of engineering to the professional title marks the official beginning of the profession, and that occurred in 2010), there has been a struggle. Arguably, this struggle's roots go back to the beginning of public education in the U.S. The struggle,…

The basic concepts inherent to statics, including unbalanced and balanced forces and instability and stability of physical systems, have traditionally been covered in middle and high school physical science courses (Physical Science as indicated in "Next Generation Science Standards"). Yet, these concepts are covered using a physical…

Clean energy is a topic of increasing political and cultural significance in the age of climate change, and as such can be an interesting topic with which to engage students. One avenue to produce large quantities of power is through harnessing nuclear reactions; however, the social stigma and fear of expanding nuclear power have placed several…