The Technology Education program enables the student to acquire the awareness, problem solving abilities and technical skills needed to succeed in a highly industrial and technological society. The curricula utilized provides an opportunity for students to:

• develop both an insight and understanding of business, industry, and technology and their roles in our society;
• become aware of the occupations and careers associated with our technological society;
• develop the ability to think creatively, solve problems and make decisions related to the organization, materials, occupations, processes and products of technology;
• become proficient in a safe and practical use of tools, machines, computers and materials;
• develop a practical use of the language of industry.

Students who have career plans which may include a four-year college, technical or vocational training, or employment after high school are encouraged to choose both basic and advanced courses from the Technology Education Department's offerings. In selecting Technology Education courses, students should note that all Basic courses are introductory in nature and have no prerequisites. These courses survey the subjects, allowing the students ample opportunities to sample the numerous topics within each respective area. Advanced courses require the completion of basic level courses and emphasize content areas to build skills and enhance techniques. Students are allowed and encouraged to elect the Advanced course in a content area more than once. This allows for advanced concentration on specific areas of interest by each student. On election of an Advanced course for the second time, students will be allowed to focus on their area of career interest. Graduation credit is allowed for successful completion of all Advanced courses. All courses in the Technology Education Department satisfy the Portsmouth High School graduation requirements for Applied Arts.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

The curriculum of this introductory level course focuses on the basics of good house design and planning as well as construction. The students are instructed in architectural drawing techniques and utilize their skills to design a set of plans and elevations of a house of their own design. Students will use CADD software in the design process.

1. Completion of Technical Drawing & CADD Advanced with a minimum grade of C

Course 644 .5 credit

This advanced course is a continuation to Architectural Design and Drawing Basic. In this class, students prepare architectural plates of construction details, elevations, and renderings as well as prepare specifications. Solar considerations are also included. Students utilize an industry standard computer aided drafting system.

1. Completion of Architectural Design and Drawing Basic with a minimum grade of C

(AFTER SCHOOL LABORATORY COURSE) Course 645 .5 credit

This laboratory course is offered to qualified juniors and seniors to give them an awareness of computerized drafting procedures and capabilities, a "hands on" opportunity to operate the equipment, and a knowledge of the potential applications of this technology. It is expected that students taking part in this program will be continuing their education in the field of Technical Drawing or related areas associated with drafting, design and/or engineering. The experience gained during this course will be extremely valuable to the student with respect to resumes, exposure to the technology and future career decisions. Department supervisor approval is required before final acceptance into the program is granted. Raytheon instructors will conduct theory and laboratory classes at Raytheon Corporation in Portsmouth, Rhode Island after normal school hours. Students selecting this course must provide their own transportation to and from Raytheon Corporation.

1. Completion of Technical Drawing & CADD Advanced with a minimum grade of C and permission of CADD- Advanced Instructor and Applied Arts and Sciences Department Chairperson

ELECTRICITY AND BASIC ELECTRONICS Course 604 .5 credit

This introductory course is designed to make electricity and electronics easily understood by the beginning student. Practical electronic projects will be constructed as a way of teaching the basics of electrical theory. Students will have numerous hands-on experiences using electronic test equipment. Students considering careers in engineering, science, and computer science will benefit greatly from this course.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS (BASIC) Course 609 .5 credit

In this basic level course the students are introduced to the foundations of graphic arts and printing technology. The processes of photo-offset, screen-printing, desktop publishing and photography are explored. Students have the opportunity to investigate conceptual and visual problem solving with actual production methods, equipment and computers. Emphasis is placed on basic computer production, camera and darkroom work, plate making, presswork and screen-printing. The students also explore basic technical 35-mm photography and darkroom procedures. This introductory course is designed to build graphic communication skills needed by commercial and graphic designers, production technicians, printers, publishers, writers, photographers and others interested in communication careers.

The focus of the advanced graphic communication class is to provide in depth studies of photo-offset, screen-printing, desktop publishing, and photographic conversion of digital, line and halftone photography. Students troubleshoot and solve production, design and press problems. Students learn about and create multicolor images on a single color press, create documents and design images in publishing and designing software, explore digital and traditional photography techniques which includes photo touch-up and computer generated image correction. Advanced features of page-layout and designing software are explored. A final portfolio is required for every student. The advanced course prepares the students for advanced studies in graphic design and communication in college or intermediate positions in the printing industry as commercial and graphic designers, production technicians, printers, publishers, writers and photographers. Students can elect to take this course two periods per day.

1. Completion of Graphic Communications Basic with a minimum grade of C

HOME IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIR Course 606 .5 credit

This innovative course covers various projects and problems encountered by the everyday homeowner. Topics include basic carpentry, electrical, plumbing, sheet rock, and wallpaper repairs. Students are required to assess specific problems and determine the correct solutions for fixing them. The culminating project for this course is the construction of an interior wall model, which encompasses all aspects of this course. Employment opportunities in these trades are also explored. Proper uses of all tools and equipment, as well as proper safety, are stressed.

Course 607 .5 credit

This course shows how computers are put together and demonstrates how to diagnose both hardware and software problems in a simple and straightforward manner. Each student has the opportunity to build a compatible IBM PC. Topics covered in this course include: how to diagnose problems with the hard drive, types of diagnostic and utility software, common memory problems, drive installations and repair, power supply problems, preventive maintenance, tools and equipment, monitor problems, printer and plotter problems.

1. Completion of Basic Electronics with a minimum grade of C

TECHNICAL DRAWING & CADD (BASIC) Course 631 .5 credit

This is an introductory course, which explores the basic concepts and principles of communicating in the technical world. This foundation course is designed to build technical communication skills needed by engineers, scientists, designers, architects, builders, technicians and others interested in technical or scientific careers. Students will have experiences with the traditional drafting tools and instruments. Computer aided drawing and design (CADD) instruction will be offered utilizing various industry standard software, computers, plotters, scanners and laser printers.