Department Philosophy
While computers and the internet are commonly referred to as “technology” and are important, the Technology Design, and Engineering Department focuses on how these types of technology are designed/developed, how they impact society, and the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable all students to use tools, machines, and equipment in a productive and safe manner. Through an articulated and developmentally sequenced series courses, students develop technological literacy and capability. In doing so, they develop, expand, and express the knowledge and skills that will enable them to actively participate in today’s society while being able to adapt to an ever-changing future. These include technology specific skills (design, build, test, maintain, and communicate solutions to technological problems, issues, and concerns) and the “soft skills” associated with the 21st Century Skills project (analyze, problem-solve, communicate, coordinate, collaborate, etc.).
Leading up to high school: Technology courses, beginning in 6th grade, provide students with opportunities to develop a rich understanding of technology as they become active participants in the design, construction, utilization, and evaluation of solutions. The history of key technological developments and their impact on current and future technologies is discussed. Through hands-on design experiences students become familiar with the “Technological Design Process,” techniques related to communicating design ideas and products, and the Input/Process/Output model used by engineers and designers to develop/evaluate solutions to technological problems.
The 7th and 8th grade technology classes expand on these concepts by asking the following question of the students, “Why are some technologies/products better or more successful than others?” To answer this question, students need to know more about how technologies/products are designed and developed, produced, and marketed. While working through a series of design problems the way engineers and/or designers do, students develop a better understanding of the inter-related systems that comprise most products, the factors that influence the way a product looks and functions, the processes and procedures used to produce products, and the wide range of careers involved the design, production, maintenance, and recycling of products.
Livingston High School Technology, Design, and Engineering Department courses allow students to explore, in more detail, areas of interest to them. Students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will help them make informed career choices, become reflective, thoughtful consumers, and proactive users and designers of technology. Students become more proficient in the use of tools, machines, materials, and equipment and how they impact the quality of products as they advance through class levels. All LHS technology courses focus on getting students to design, build, test, and/or maintain technology systems/products and solutions to “real world” situations and scenarios. In doing so, students regularly apply science, math, and communication content and skills (STEM). Students can take courses in the following areas: Engineering, Architecture, Design, Electronics, Robotics, Programming, Architecture/Engineering CAD, Stagecraft, Transportation/Automotive Systems, Graphic Design/Communication, and Woodworking. NJCCS standards 8.1, 8.2, 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3 are embedded throughout each course.
