Technology Education

Program Description

The Technology Education program assists students in developing an understanding of industry and technology and in discovering and developing individual potential. This program provides students with competencies for occupational readiness that are useful for the future craftsperson, technician, engineer, designer or consumer. It provides a foundation for career preparation at either the secondary or post-secondary level. A lab fee is required for most courses.

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a co-curricular student-led organization that reinforces the technology curriculum and provides opportunity for competition, travel, leadership and career development.

Work-based Learning

Cooperative Education (Co-op) and Internships are high-quality work-based learning experiences for juniors and seniors that place the student in a workplace environment. This placement allows the student to develop and practice knowledge and skills for a specific career field related to the student’s career interests, abilities, and goals. Co-op is a paid work-based learning experience while internships may be paid or unpaid. Co-op and internships are connected to classroom learning and are guided by a formal, written training plan that defines specific academic, technical, and workplace skills to be mastered. Applications may be obtained from a school counselor or a CTE teacher.

On-the-job hours required to earn credit through cooperative education or internship are as follows:
140 hours = .5 credit
280 hours = 1 credit

Job shadowing is a short-term experience available as a part of Career and Technical Education courses through an application process. Juniors and seniors who are currently enrolled in CTE courses or who have completed a coherent sequence of CTE courses are eligible. The application process includes student narrative and teacher recommendation. Students participating in this work-based learning experience are required to complete a reflective exercise.

Credentialing

The High School Industry Credentialing initiative encourages students to work toward a selected industry credential or state license while pursuing a high school diploma. The Virginia Department of Education evaluates on an on-going basis industry credentials against prescribed criteria for graduation requirements for the Standard Diploma (8VAC20-131-50.B) and student-selected verified credit (8VAC20-131-110.C). Credentialing exams are available to any student taking a Career and Technical Education course.

Courses

Advanced Engineering Studies: 84911

Credits 1.0
Students will learn the application and design processes of engineering. Students will form engineering teams and create and select a design, models, and presentation that addresses a specific engineering problem. Teams will use communications, graphics, mathematics and community resources to solve problems. Students will work with 3-D CADD design and robotics systems and will have an opportunity to participate in engineering competitions.

Advanced Engineering Studies: 84912

Credits 2.0
Students will learn the application and design processes of engineering. Students will form engineering teams and create and select a design, models, and presentation that addresses a specific engineering problem. Teams will use communications, graphics, mathematics and community resources to solve problems. Students will work with 3-D CADD design and robotics systems and will have an opportunity to participate in engineering competitions.

Architectural Drawing and Design: 84371

Credits 1.0
Students learn the principles of architecture and increase understanding of working drawings and construction techniques learned in the prerequisite course. Experiences include residential and commercial building designs, rendering, model development, and structural details. Students use computer-aided drawing and design (CADD) equipment and established standards or codes to prepare models for presentation. The course is especially beneficial to future architects, interior designers, or home builders. Note: This course may not be taken concurrently with Engineering Drawing/Design and CADD.

Architectural Drawing and Design: 84372

Credits 2.0
Students learn the principles of architecture and increase understanding of working drawings and construction techniques learned in the prerequisite course. Experiences include residential and commercial building designs, rendering, model development, and structural details. Students use computer-aided drawing and design (CADD) equipment and established standards or codes to prepare models for presentation. The course is especially beneficial to future architects, interior designers, or home builders. Note: This course may not be taken concurrently with Engineering Drawing/Design and CADD.

Communication Systems (Graphics Introduction): 8415

Credits 1.0
This graphic technology course introduces students to the world of visual communications where they receive an overview of materials, tools and techniques used in different career opportunities. Students will explore the history of communication systems, computer and visual literacy, video production, typography, color theory and workplace readiness skills. This course will also introduce basic animation along with digital photography, and students will use industry standard design software.

Digital Visualization (Animation): 84591

Credits 1.0
This course helps students gain experiences related to computer animation using graphics and design concepts. Students solve problems involving 3-D object manipulation and storyboarding. This course involves texturing/mapping, lighting concepts, and environmental geometry. Students create a variety of animations that reflect real-world applications and are introduced to interactive and 3-D animation software. Production of a portfolio showcasing examples of original student work is included.

Digital Visualization (Animation): 84592

Credits 2.0
This course helps students gain experiences related to computer animation using graphics and design concepts. Students solve problems involving 3-D object manipulation and storyboarding. This course involves texturing/mapping, lighting concepts, and environmental geometry. Students create a variety of animations that reflect real-world applications and are introduced to interactive and 3-D animation software. Production of a portfolio showcasing examples of original student work is included.

Electronics Systems I: 84161

Credits 1.0
Electronic devices are everywhere in modern life and business, and, as a result, opportunities abound for any who should master the knowledge and skills required to design, alter, repair, and construct them. This course allows students the opportunity to explore principles of electricity, apply knowledge in mathematics and science, and conduct experiments with electronics. Students solve problems using simple electrical devices and circuits and build electronic projects using DC and AC devices and circuits. This course is the prerequisite for Electronics Technology II.

Electronics Systems I: 84162

Credits 2.0
Electronic devices are everywhere in modern life and business, and, as a result, opportunities abound for any who should master the knowledge and skills required to design, alter, repair, and construct them. This course allows students the opportunity to explore principles of electricity, apply knowledge in mathematics and science, and conduct experiments with electronics. Students solve problems using simple electrical devices and circuits and build electronic projects using DC and AC devices and circuits. This course is the prerequisite for Electronics Technology II.

Electronics Systems II: 84121

Credits 1.0
Students work with electronics devices, instruments, and circuits, building and designing devices to apply theories and laws with electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, and transistors. They also study integrated circuits used in computers, amplifiers, television, and other equipment. This course is recommended for students seeking postsecondary education in a technical field.

Electronics Systems II: 84122

Credits 2.0
Students work with electronics devices, instruments, and circuits, building and designing devices to apply theories and laws with electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, and transistors. They also study integrated circuits used in computers, amplifiers, television, and other equipment. This course is recommended for students seeking postsecondary education in a technical field.

Engineering Explorations I: 84501

Credits 1.0
In Engineering Explorations, students examine technology and engineering fundamentals in relation to solving real-world problems. Students investigate engineering history, including major engineering achievements, and they examine the principle engineering specialty fields and their related careers. Students practice engineering fundamentals, using mathematical and scientific concepts, and they apply the engineering design process through participation in hands-on engineering projects. Students communicate project-related information through team-based presentations, proposals, models, prototypes, and technical reports.

Engineering Explorations I: 84502

Credits 2.0
In Engineering Explorations, students examine technology and engineering fundamentals in relation to solving real-world problems. Students investigate engineering history, including major engineering achievements, and they examine the principle engineering specialty fields and their related careers. Students practice engineering fundamentals, using mathematical and scientific concepts, and they apply the engineering design process through participation in hands-on engineering projects. Students communicate project-related information through team-based presentations, proposals, models, prototypes, and technical reports.

Graphic Communications: 84582

Credits 2.0
This level 2 graphics course is recommended to those students who have an interest in pursuing a career in print graphics, visual arts, marketing, audio/video technology. This course provides experiences related to a wide range of tools and materials used to reproduce information and images. Several mediums are used, including paper, metal, plastic, and fabric. Students develop competencies in message design, composition and assembly, and message transfer and product conversion.

Imaging Technology (Photography): 84551

Credits 1.0
Students in this level-two course apply the principles of design in the creation of images. Students explore the development of imaging as a communication medium and its evolution into the digital realm. Image-editing software allows students to enhance images and develop a portfolio. Investigation focuses on career exploration and the application of photographic and imaging technology across various industries.

Imaging Technology (Photography): 84552

Credits 2.0
Students in this level-two course apply the principles of design in the creation of images. Students explore the development of imaging as a communication medium and its evolution into the digital realm. Image-editing software allows students to enhance images and develop a portfolio. Investigation focuses on career exploration and the application of photographic and imaging technology across various industries.

Introduction to Technology: 8481

Students study the resources of all technology, including tools, energy, materials, people, time, information, and capital. This also includes the problem-solving process and various hands-on activities. They explore up to three systems of technology, including medical, agricultural and related biotechnologies, energy and power, information and communication, transportation, manufacturing, and construction. Students relate the impact of technology on society, environment, and culture to future consequences and decisions.

Introduction to Technology: 8482

Students study the resources of all technology, including tools, energy, materials, people, time, information, and capital. This also includes the problem-solving process and various hands-on activities. They explore up to three systems of technology, including medical, agricultural and related biotechnologies, energy and power, information and communication, transportation, manufacturing, and construction. Students relate the impact of technology on society, environment, and culture to future consequences and decisions. THis course is a semester option for Intro to Technology.

Inventions and Innovations: 8464

Students make models of significant inventions that have advanced society. After studying these developments, they explore contemporary technological problems facing them, their community, or the world and apply a systematic procedures to invent new products or innovations as solutions.Areas of study include technical drawing, manufacturing, research, invention, and modular technology.

Manufacturing Systems I: 8425

Credits 1.0
This course provides an orientation to careers in various fields of manufacturing. Emphasis will be placed on the major systems in automated manufacturing, including design, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing processes, material handling, and quality control. Students participate in teams to produce manufacturing projects that demonstrate critical elements of manufacturing.

Manufacturing Systems II: 84271

Credits 1.0
Students develop an in-depth understanding of automation and its applications to manufacturing. Students will use computers and interactive multimedia modules to design, engineer and produce products, control robots and program computer controlled machines. Activities center on flexible manufacturing processes, product quality assurance, applied electrical controls, mechanical drive systems, fluid power, and Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) in the management and control of the manufacturing process. Students will learn to program and use a carbon laser to produce, refine, or engrave a project.

Manufacturing Systems II: 84272

Credits 2.0
Students develop an in-depth understanding of automation and its applications to manufacturing. Students will use computers and interactive multimedia modules to design, engineer and produce products, control robots and program computer controlled machines. Activities center on flexible manufacturing processes, product quality assurance, applied electrical controls, mechanical drive systems, fluid power, and Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) in the management and control of the manufacturing process. Students will learn to program and use a carbon laser to produce, refine, or engrave a project.

Materials and Processes Technology: 8433

Credits 1.0
Students focus on physical materials and processes as they fabricate usable products and conduct experiments. Learning experiences include career analysis as well as the use of tools and equipment related to analysis, testing, and processing of metals, plastics, woods, ceramics, and 3 composite materials. This single-period lab course is recommended for students interested in technical careers and others wishing to improve their technological literacy.

Technical Drawing and Design: 8435

Credits 1.0
In this foundation course, students learn the basic language of technical drawing and design, and they design, sketch, and make technical drawings, models, or prototypes of real design problems. The course is especially recommended for future engineering and architecture students.

Technological Systems: 8463

Students combine resources and techniques to create systems, attaining comprehension of how technological systems work. Students will explore, design, analyze, and evaluate technological systems. By simulating systems and assessing their impacts, students gain insight into how to approach the problems and opportunities of a technological world. Students will also explore technology-oriented careers.