Principles of Technology I & II- Course Outline
Instructor: Amanda Jones
Email: jonesa@rcschools.net
Course Description:
PT is a contextual physics course for both tech path and university path students. These courses are
designed to help break down the compartmentalization of physics concepts and apply those concepts to
aspects of engineering and technology. Both PT I and PT II are heavily laboratory oriented, concentrating
on problem-based learning, hands-on labs, as well as mathematical modeling. Each course will also have
multiple project-based assessments where the students demonstrate principles and skills learned during
coursework. PT courses are suitable for students who are planning a career in industry or engineering and
physics.
Topics Covered: Force, Work, Rate, Resistance, Energy and Power within Mechanical, Fluid, Electrical,
and Thermal Systems
Required or Elective: counts as science credit for graduation, PT1 and PT2 combined count as a single
Physics credit
Required Prerequisite to course: Algebra I or equivalent skills
Prerequisite for other courses: Principles of Technology II
Course Length: PT I = one year, PT II = one year
Course Goals:
The student will develop strong problem solving and data interpretation skills, an extensive knowledge of
the systems covered in terms of force, work, rate, resistance, energy and power. The student will
demonstrate the ability to apply learned concepts during problem solving-activities and subsequently apply
those same skills to real-world scenarios.
Methods of Instructional Delivery:
The instructor will present new objectives followed by practice of concepts. Students will often have
multiple mathematical formulas to apply within each topic. In-class work will generally consist of 1-3 hours
of practice problems each week. The concepts will then be applied in laboratory experiments where
students will collect data and analyze results that will subsequently be compared to the mathematical
models. Most labs will require considerable problem solving skills with real-world applications. Students
will complete 3-6 major projects each year during which they will demonstrate their mastery of major
concepts and principles.
Assessment:
Student achievement will be assessed in multiple ways. Students will be responsible for completing
homework assignments correctly in the allotted time frame. Students will also set up and complete the
required laboratory activities in a safe and timely manner. Student ability to apply concepts to solve
problems presented during lab activities will be used to assess progress. Unit tests will be used to monitor
learning and direct the teacher’s curriculum and instructional methods. Labs and major projects will
constitute a significant proportion of the students overall grade.
Grading Scale:
The following is a percentage breakdown of the grading scale. Please make an effort to monitor your
progress.
Practice Problems
In-Class Assignments (Includes Bell Work)
Lab Assignments
Quizzes
Tests
15%
15%
25%
20%
25%
Make-Up Work
It is the responsibility of the student to make up all work missed in accordance with the current Rutherford
County Policy. Please use the correct classroom procedure to obtain the work.