Ruffner School

Technology

Course Descriptions 

Introduction to Technology: 6^th Grade, 1 semester

Students study the resources of all technology, including tools, energy, materials, people, time, information, and capital. This also includes the problem-solving process and various handson activities. They explore up to six systems of technology, including medical, agricultural and related biotechnologies, energy and power, information and communication, transportation, manufacturing, and construction. 

Digital Information and Technology: 7^th Grade, 1 semester

This course introduces the use of relevant and emerging technologies, tools, and applications to prepare students for current workplace practices and everyday life. Students will demonstrate information processing using a variety of hardware and software and Internet-based tools to produce and integrate data in various formats. Contextual instruction and student participation in real-world experiences within related career paths will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. 

Technology Foundations: 8^th Grade, Full Year

In this beginning high school course, students acquire a foundation in technological material, energy, and information and apply processes associated with the technological thinker. Challenged by laboratory activities, students create new ideas and innovations, build systems, and analyze technological products to learn further how and why technology works. They work in groups to build and control systems using engineering design in the development of a technology.

Note: This is a high school credit-bearing course.