Middle School level
Technology education engages our students with exciting, real-world applications of mathematics and science. At Farnsworth Middle School, students participate in the Technology Education sequence for twenty weeks each year, achieving NYS Education Department learning standards. Through an engaging hands-on/minds-on approach, students develop knowledge, skill, and dispositions to solve technological problems.
High School level
Technology education is an integrating discipline and serves to provide interdisciplinary connections to many school curriculums. These courses are electives for students and allow them to discover their interests and talents in technical careers/professions.
Some of the courses that are offered are Principles of Engineering, Architectural Drawing, Design and Drawing, Electricity, Photography (including digital photography), and Manufacturing Systems. There is a significant amount of lab work which is conducted in a production room.
Students taking technology courses are broadening their opportunities by enhancing their problem-solving, creative thinking and decision-making skills.
Pre-Engineering Sequence
Guilderland High School Technology Education is partnering with Project Lead the Way (PLTW), a national, non-profit organization, in order to offer a sequence of pre-engineering courses for Guilderland High School students. GHS will build course offerings, one course per year, over the next four years. We presently offer portions of the sequence. Our PLTW partnership enables our ability to offer a full sequence with enhanced rigor and relevance.
PLTW courses make math and science relevant for students. By engaging in hands-on, real-world projects, students apply the skills they are learning in the classroom to everyday life. Students develop collaborative problem solving skills while preparing for post high school programs in technology and engineering. For more information, visit the PLTW website. Each full-year course description follows:
- Design and Drawing for Production (DDP): Students build problem-solving skills using a design development process. They create, analyze, and communicate models of product solutions by hand and through use of solid modeling computer-design software (AutoDesk® Software Suite). Students then produce their designs using shop tools. The course satisfies requirements developed by the NYS Education Department and fulfills the fine arts graduation requirement.
- Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA) – Students explore the fields of Civil Engineering and Architecture, while experiencing the interrelationship and dependence of both fields on each other. Students use state-of-the-art software to solve real-world problems and communicate solutions to hands-on projects and activities. This course covers topics such as project planning, site planning, building design, documentation, and presentation.
- Principles of Engineering (POE): Students explore various technology systems and manufacturing processes and learn how engineers and technicians use math, science, and technology in an engineering problem-solving process to benefit people. The course is a hands-on, laboratory-based experience that provides access to tools, machines, and materials for individual and small group projects.
- Digital Electronics (DE): Students apply logic to the design and production of electronic circuits and devices. Computer simulation software is used to design and test digital circuitry prior to the actual construction of circuits and devices. Students build understanding and cognitive skill while studying and developing circuits for various types of digital devices (i.e. video games, watches, calculators, digital cameras, etc.).
OR
Engineering Design and Development (EDD): Students work in teams to research, design, and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. Students apply principles developed in the three preceding courses. As engineering researchers, students must present progress reports, submit a final written report, and defend their solutions to a panel of outside reviewers