This article describes a design activity that provides students with a solid understanding of the many issues involved with alternate energy system design. In this activity, students will be able to learn about electric vehicles and have the opportunity to design a way to recharge the batteries while the cars are parked in a commuter garage. The…

Animation is the rapid display of a sequence of static images that creates the illusion of movement. This optical illusion is often called perception of motion, persistence of vision, illusion of motion, or short-range apparent motion. The phenomenon occurs when the eye is exposed to rapidly changing still images, with each image being changed…

At a high school level, sometimes students can perceive math as simply another step towards graduation and learn just what is needed to get by. If realistic examples were used more often in classroom settings, then teachable moments would happen--and that is where inspiration can be fostered. This article provides thoughts and ideas behind the…

Almost everything people have ever done has involved materials. Historical evidence indicates that "engineered materials" have been available and utilized for the benefit of humankind since the Neolithic period, beginning about 10,000 BC. Some of these materials have been in existence for thousands of years. At first, materials consisted of wood,…

Throughout history the oceans have directly or indirectly influenced humans. The importance of knowing how to protect this valuable resource and insure it for future generations is vital. Underwater Vehicles are tools essential for this process, and therefore research and development to perfect these devices is needed. However, the main goal of…

The International Technology Education Association/Gallup Poll was conducted to find out what the public knows about, considers, and thinks when dealing with technology. The poll indicated that people want to be informed decision makers about technology and want technology taught in the schools. (JOW)

Addresses two questions related to the structure of technology education: (1) What is the content base of technology education? and (2) What common processes do technicians, technologists, and engineers share? (Author)

Technological literacy is necessary to make informed decisions about personal and societal choices. The competitive global economy also requires more intelligent use of technology. (SK)

In Putnam County, Ohio, an integrated curriculum applies science and math through enhancements to hands-on laboratory components and linkages with local manufacturers. The high school students learn to apply theories to real-world situations, develop teamwork skills and computer literacy, and learn about local employers. (SK)

Tools for studying the social and environmental effects of technology include case studies, community-based studies involving real local problems, role playing, cost-benefit analysis, technology assessment, and lab experiments. (SK)

In a survey, teacher education coordinators (217 respondents) recognized the importance of studying the sociocultural, environmental, political, economic, and ethical aspects of technology. However, there are significant gaps between this recognition and the way student teachers are being prepared. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher…

The author discusses the types of online databases useful to technology educators and other applications of online technology. He briefly describes (1) search techniques, (2) equipment requirements, (3) costs, and (4) various information services. (CH)

Features of this model for technology education are human needs and wants, problems/opportunities, resources, technological processes, technological knowledge, evaluation, and solutions/impacts. (SK)

Provides insight into how a technology education program in Idaho builds on the elementary program by incorporating higher level thinking skills to challenge students at the junior and senior high levels. (JOW)

The issue of women in relation to modern technology and socioeconomic development in less developed countries is only recently being considered. Discussions focus on women's access to productive resources, their participation in development projects, and the meaningfulness and quality of their participation. More progress must be made toward…