8th grade curriculum
Welcome to 8th grade Tech Ed! During this course, students will continue to grow as learners building upon their creativity, curiosity, and confidence. Students will engage with a variety of
materials, softwares, and tools used in professional industry to pair theory with practice in hands-on projects. Through the course, students will work through three units where they will learn about digital modeling and printing, measurement and drafting, foundry, woodworking, and automated machinery. Each unit aims to provide students with the foundational conceptual knowledge to make connections to the wider world. Students learn through building, testing, and refining their work—developing confidence, creativity, and the technical skills needed to understand the technologies they use every day.
Course Timeline
Day 1: Welcome
Welcome Day introduces students to the expectations, routines, and culture of the Technology and Engineering classroom. Students learn what they will be exploring throughout the year and how hands-on learning will shape their experience. This day sets the foundation for a positive, safe, and collaborative environment.
Day 2-11: Metallic Processing and Foundry
This unit teaches the fundamentals of measurement and technical
drawing to create isometric
and orthographic drawings.
The next steps are the basics of digital modeling using Fusion 360 to make a 3D printed keychain.
The 3D printed prototype will be used to tin pour into a custom mold teaching the elements of metal working and the foundry process.
Day 12-21: Woodworking Machinery and Safety
The second unit deeply focuses on a comprehensive view of safety
principles and effective use
of woodworking machinery. Students will gain hands-on woodworking experience with guided support and instruction.
Students will also get a glimpse of rudimentary machine automation and software in correlation to the woodworking process.
Day 12-21: Manufacturing and Engineering Design
The capstone project is to design
and create a product focused
on a content topic previously covered. A holistic project proposal
including project plans and timeline will be established and assessed by students prior to the building stages.
After project plan approval, students will implement the 7 step engineering design process
to build and refine their product.