Technology Education Kindergarten to Grade 12 Objectives

The aim of the Technology Education curriculum is to help students develop technological literacy and lifelong learning patterns that they need to live and work effectively in a changing technological society. To achieve this, the curriculum provides a framework for students to learn how to design and construct solutions to real-world problems and opportunities to put into practice what they have learned.

The Technology Education curriculum is guided by the following curriculum intentions. Technology Education provides students with opportunities to:

develop the ability to solve technological problems
develop the ability to make things and explore technology
develop the ability to deal ethically with technology
develop lifelong learning patterns needed to function effectively in a changing technological environment
acquire skills and attitudes needed to work with technology both independently and as a co-operative member of a group
develop appropriate attitudes and practices with respect to work safety and personal health
gain competence in working with tools, materials, and processes to produce high-quality work
develop language and visual communication skills to investigate, explain, and illustrate aspects of technology
apply and integrate skills, knowledge, and resources across disciplines and in technological activities
explore and pursue technological careers and associated lifestyles
become discerning users of materials, products, and technical services

The Technology Education Kindergarten to Grade 12 chart provides an overview of the Technology Education curriculum.

Technology Education K to 12
Grades K to 3
Students begin to appreciate that technology is everywhere. They become aware of the role of technology in their lives by exploring familiar devices. Through problem-solving activities, they develop group interaction and communication skills, and self-confidence in handling simple processes and products. Student activities are based on classroom themes and their own experiences and personal interests. In grades K to 3, students:

construct devices that are useful and relevant to them
explore materials, tools, and processes, independently and in groups
realize that there are several solutions to a single problem
learn the importance of using tools and materials safely
Grades 4 to 7
Students consider the personal, community, and global consequences of the use of technology now and in the future, and develop a concern for its responsible application. They investigate the historical development of technology and begin to appreciate its impact on society and individuals. By investigating a product from its inception to its completion, students learn to research, create, and communicate solutions to design problems. In grades 4 to 7, students:

gain experience using a variety of communication tools (e.g., modem, CD-ROM, video, overhead projector)
identify problems involving design and investigate possible solutions
use an expanding variety of tools, materials, and production processes
use objective tests and feedback to refine and modify designs
become increasingly responsible for managing their time and resources, and for planning and organizing their activities within a specific task
begin to recognize that a system is made up of parts and devices that interact to achieve a purpose
Grades 8 to 10
Students work in specialized environments to develop technological solutions to problems that they identify or that are identified for them. They continue to learn about the technical requirements of various careers. They consider the personal, local, and global consequences, and the cultural, ethical, and aesthetic implications of technology. They investigate the future applications of technology to improve the human condition. In grades 8 to 10, students:

set goals, develop plans, and assess their own abilities to design products (individually and in groups)
use graphic designs and oral and written language to convey technical ideas
learn about the safe use of specialized tools and machinery
consider how they will use technology in daily life and in the workplace
study the characteristics and uses of materials and information while solving problems involving designs that occur in daily life and in the workplace
learn to create and manage systems that energize and control products
Grades 11 and 12
Students work in a sophisticated technological learning environment designed to promote their skills, knowledge, and abilities to solve complex and varied problems. Students take advantage of opportunities to prepare for postsecondary training opportunities. In grades 11 and 12, students:

develop skills appropriate to the workplace
produce products and systems that meet community standards
work in co-operative groups to develop solutions to real-life problems
develop detailed understanding of materials, processes, systems, and information gathering
select appropriate technologies to solve problems
evaluate possible solutions using models, simulations, and prototypes

**Technology Education K to 12**
Grades K to 3 Students begin to appreciate that technology is everywhere. They become aware of the role of technology in their lives by exploring familiar devices. Through problem-solving activities, they develop group interaction and communication skills, and self-confidence in handling simple processes and products. Student activities are based on classroom themes and their own experiences and personal interests.	In grades K to 3, students: construct devices that are useful and relevant to them explore materials, tools, and processes, independently and in groups realize that there are several solutions to a single problem learn the importance of using tools and materials safely
Grades 4 to 7 Students consider the personal, community, and global consequences of the use of technology now and in the future, and develop a concern for its responsible application. They investigate the historical development of technology and begin to appreciate its impact on society and individuals. By investigating a product from its inception to its completion, students learn to research, create, and communicate solutions to design problems.	In grades 4 to 7, students: gain experience using a variety of communication tools (e.g., modem, CD-ROM, video, overhead projector) identify problems involving design and investigate possible solutions use an expanding variety of tools, materials, and production processes use objective tests and feedback to refine and modify designs become increasingly responsible for managing their time and resources, and for planning and organizing their activities within a specific task begin to recognize that a system is made up of parts and devices that interact to achieve a purpose
Grades 8 to 10 Students work in specialized environments to develop technological solutions to problems that they identify or that are identified for them. They continue to learn about the technical requirements of various careers. They consider the personal, local, and global consequences, and the cultural, ethical, and aesthetic implications of technology. They investigate the future applications of technology to improve the human condition.	In grades 8 to 10, students: set goals, develop plans, and assess their own abilities to design products (individually and in groups) use graphic designs and oral and written language to convey technical ideas learn about the safe use of specialized tools and machinery consider how they will use technology in daily life and in the workplace study the characteristics and uses of materials and information while solving problems involving designs that occur in daily life and in the workplace learn to create and manage systems that energize and control products
Grades 11 and 12 Students work in a sophisticated technological learning environment designed to promote their skills, knowledge, and abilities to solve complex and varied problems. Students take advantage of opportunities to prepare for postsecondary training opportunities.	In grades 11 and 12, students: develop skills appropriate to the workplace produce products and systems that meet community standards work in co-operative groups to develop solutions to real-life problems develop detailed understanding of materials, processes, systems, and information gathering select appropriate technologies to solve problems evaluate possible solutions using models, simulations, and prototypes

Revised: January 28, 1999

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