Technology education is an exploratory program of instruction in resources, systems, and impacts of technology, assisted by computers and high- tech equipment. Students study the major technological systems of the world and our society. Various components or processes, which are fundamental to technological systems, are studied in detail. This course has been designed to meet the needs of all academic levels and is taught through laboratory-based “hands on” learning activities, as a one semester course, for 8th graders only. Subjects covered during the Semester: What is Technology? Defines technology and discusses its role in the world Historical Context of Technology: Examines the Technological Eras Resources of Technology: Technology relies on the seven resources: People, Information, Capital/Money, Tools and Machines, Materials, Energy and Time Energy as a Resource: Types of energy; Sources of energy; Hydro, Solar and Wind power as alternatives How Information is disseminated and used in Technology: How the computer works; Binary systems Types of Communication Systems: Major types of communication, discusses their impacts and provides a look at the future of communication Graphic Communication Systems: How systems are drawn; Different types of drawings Structures: Importance of structures; Types of Structures; Codes that govern how structures are constructed. Bridges: Types of bridges; Crossings that are around us Content is complimented by appropriate projects