West Virginia Technology Education

Activities, Lesson Plans, and Design Problems

Click on the titles below to download and print a copy of the activity. You will need Adobe Acrobat to access the files.

Communication Systems

5/1/2006 - TSA Digital Photography
This activity is based on TSA's competitive event, and teaches students how to take effective photographs using a digital camera, and how to edit them for a variety of effects.
4/1/2006 - Creating a Database
Students will create a simple database for keeping addresses.
3/1/2006 - Pinhole Camera
This activity shows students how to make a pinhole camera from an oatmeal box, and to take and develop black and white paper negatives.
2/1/2006 - Creating a Business Card
Students will design a personal business card to provide contact information and highlight their hobbies, interests or skills.
12/1/2005 - Isometric Sketching
Simple activity sheets to demonstrate how to sketch rectangles and circles in isometric.
11/1/2005 - Understanding Television
Students will learn that producing a television show is a complex task that requires many skills, many people, and a great deal of thought and planning.
10/1/2005 - Guidelines for Making a Presentation
Tips and hints for students on how to prepare a great presentation, including handouts and Powerpoint presentations.
9/1/2005 - We Have News for You
The class will simulate beign reporters for a local newspaper.They will wirte articles, and provide clip art and photos.
5/1/2005 - Telegraph
Simple lesson demonstrating electromagnets and series circuits through the construction of a working telegraph.
4/1/2005 - The Field of Electricity
Beginning lesson on series and parallel circuits for those with no experience in electricity.
3/1/2005 - Designing a Carton
This activity involves students in choosing a product, and developing an appropriate package for it.
2/1/2005 - Youth Graphic Communications, Inc.
This activity introduces students to the graphic design process used to create messages.
1/1/2005 - Communication Systems Reading
An introduction to the Communication System and the processes that are used.
12/1/2004 - Historical Developments in Communication
Students will research and prepare a report or presentation on a minimum of 10 foundational technical developments in communication.
11/1/2004 - Designing an Advertisement
Students will research a company and design a newspaper or magazine ad for selling the product.
10/1/2004 - Graphic Communications
This activity explores the 4 basic printing methods, and involves students in lab experiments with each one.
9/1/2004 - Impacts of Communication Technology
Students will research and write a technical report on the impacts that communication has had on society, the economy or the environment.
5/1/2004 - First Impressions
An activity that involves students in creating a marketing package for a company, including a logo, stationary, and a business card.
4/1/2004 - Producing a TV Commercial
The third activity in a series of three about TV Production, this activity has students actually filming a 30 second commercial, using their plans.
3/1/2004 - Working Behind the Scenes
The second activity in a series of three about TV Production, this activity shows students how to work with the camera and actors.
2/1/2004 - Planning a TV Production
The first activity in a series of three about TV Production, this activity shows students how to plan for a production by developing a storyboard.
1/1/2004 - Communication Challenge
Based on TSA's competitive event, in this challenge students must design a CD cover and label for a specific product.
12/1/2003 - Caroline's Candy
Students design a logo, packaging, and marketing plan for a businesswoman.
10/1/2003 - Impacts of Communication Technology II
Students will prepare a 1-2 minute oral report and Powerpoint on the research they have done on the impacts that communication has had on society, the economy or the environment.
9/1/2003 - Challenging Technology Issues: The Internet- Garbage or Knowledge? 1
Students debate the pros and cons of a societal or environmental issue that has no right or wrong.
5/1/2003 - Deciphering Bar Codes
To learn how to decipher bar codes.
4/1/2003 - Seeing In Stereo
To make a stereoscope and use it to see stereo pictures in three-dimensions.
3/1/2003 - Technology Brochure
Students will design a brochure that will advertise your technology education program.
2/1/2003 - Can This Idea!
Students simulate the research and design team for a soft drink company, and have to develop a name and design for the soft drink container.
1/1/2003 - Promotional Materials Design
Students will develop an image and advertising campaign to promote a hypothetical new school in the community.
12/1/2002 - Purchasing a Personal Computer
Students will use information gained in class and outside resources to hypothetically purchase a computer system for their home use.
11/1/2002 - NASA Science & Technology Journalism
This competition invites students to develop a news report using either print or video. The topic this year is A Century of Flight.
10/1/2002 - Company Brochure Design
Students use desktop publishing software to create a tri-fold brochure based on a customer's specifications.
9/1/2002 - Coffee Imports, Ltd.
A packaging design problem

Construction Systems

4/1/2006 - Renovate the Basement
You have been asked to design a floor plan for the renovation of Mr. and Mrs. Cole’s basement. The Coles would like to change the basement into a master bedroom suite with sufficient walk-in closet space and a master bathroom.
3/1/2006 - Keep a Cube
Can you keep an ice cube from melting for 30 minutes?
2/1/2006 - Crane Boom
Design, analyze, produce, and test a crane boom structure that can support a minimum load, stay within a cost limit, and have a maximum “reach distance.”
1/1/2006 - Gumdrop Dome
Explore different shapes used in construction with only toothpicks and gumdrops.
12/1/2005 - Shape Testing
Students will study the relationship between the shapes and strength of arious shaped columns.
11/1/2005 - A Wolf Proof House
Your house has just been demolished by a wolf. Using the materials given, rebuild a wolf-proof house.
10/1/2005 - Raising the Walls
Explore the careers of carpenters, construction helpers, and related occupations by developing an understanding of how a building is constructed.
9/1/2005 - Spaghetti Challenge
Build the longest cantilever from strands of spaghetti - dry of course!!
5/1/2005 - Building Toward the Future
This curricular unit introduces students to basic Civil Engineering concepts in an exciting and interactive manner. Bridges and skyscrapers, the two most visible products of Civil Engineers, will be discussed in depth.
4/1/2005 - The United Bridge
This activity investigates the effects of a deteriorating bridge on the surrounding town.
3/1/2005 - Interactive Explorations - Parts of a Building
Students will explore the main parts of a residential structure, then test their knowledge with an on-line game.
2/1/2005 - Struts and Ties
Have students explore what exactly members of a structure do.
1/1/2005 - Building Bridges - Internet Research
Students work together to design and test a scale bridge. They will use the Internet to gain background information in three basic bridge designs -- beam, arch, and suspension -- and the forces that act upon them.
12/1/2004 - K'Nex Bridges
Students will build a K'Nex bridge that crosses a 1-foot wide "river".
11/1/2004 - Understanding the Logistics Involved in Building a Bridge
Students will use K'Nex rods and connectors to build a model bridge, then calculate and control the cost variables by choice of components.
10/1/2004 - NASA Design and Build an Aerospace Structure
Students will design, build and test a model spacecraft structure.
9/1/2004 - Observing Bridges
Collect information about a local bridge and find out what it is used for.
5/1/2004 - Designing an Electrical Plan
Students will design and draw an electrical plan for their original floor plan.
4/1/2004 - Dimensioning a Floor Plan
Students will learn to properly dimension a floor plan.
3/1/2004 - Designing a Floor Plan
Students will design and draw a floor plan for a given home.
2/1/2004 - Sky High
Build the highest tower from drinking straws, while applying the principles of construction.
1/1/2004 - Mud Bricks
Students will compare the strength of bricks made with different materials.
10/1/2003 - Test My Strength!
Students will experiment with reshaping materials to affect its load bearing ability.
9/1/2003 - Card Structure
A simple problem based on the strength of shapes.
5/1/2003 - Concrete Comparison
Students will contrast how changing the ingredients of concrete changes its properties.
4/1/2003 - Bending Concrete
To compare concrete to conglomerate, and to see how concrete weakens when under tension.
3/1/2003 - Testing Concrete
To determine the relative strength of four types of concrete.
2/1/2003 - Shelter Design
Your team is to design the shelter for the Space Exploration Mission and build a model of the space shelter.
1/1/2003 - All Around the House
Students to design floor plans
12/1/2002 - Composite Beams
Student create a plaster beam, using a variety of reinforcing materials, and conduct strength tests on the beam.
11/1/2002 - Designing Cost Efficient Bridges
Design the most efficient bridge from balsa wood and string. Students may substitute any strut for a tie to decrease total weight and cost.
10/1/2002 - NASA Spacecraft Structures
In this challenge, students will design a strong, lightweight thrust structure that can withstand the launch of a bottle rocket by means of a wooden lever. Make sure to check out the teacher section of the website for additional resources.
9/1/2002 - Electrical Applications
Three circuit design problems for construction applications.

Foundations in Engineering

5/1/2006 - Bottle Blasters
Build a device that will launch a ball to knock over bottles and earn points!
4/1/2006 - Hydraulic Lift
Build a device that can raise a certain volume of water to a higher elevation using only the gravitational potential energy of the water.
3/1/2006 - Robot Arm
Student teams will construct and operate a hand-made hydraulic robot to understand the mechanical and hydraulic properties of mechanisms.
2/1/2006 - Mousetrap Catapult
The objective of the competition is to design and construct a catapult that shoots Ping-Pong balls, using inexpensive and readily available materials.
1/1/2006 - Form Follows Function
Student will compare and contrast the function and design of a variety of products.
12/1/2005 - Ergo Man
Students will collect and study information about the size of the human body and how it moves.
11/1/2005 - Elements and Principles of Design
Students will practice applying the elements and principles of design through a series of design activities.
10/1/2005 - Reverse Engineering
Learn as much as you can about machines by taking one completely apart.
9/1/2005 - Using Portfolios
Learn how to create an excellent design portfolio.
5/1/2005 - Mechanics Mania
The Mechanics unit teaches the universal rules engineers and physicists use to understand how things move and stay still. Together, these rules are called "mechanics."
2/1/2005 - K'Nex As the Ferris Wheel Turns
Students will design and build a solution to how to speed up the loading and unloading of an amusement park ride.
1/1/2005 - King of the Hill
Students will design and build a vehicle that moves quickly and has the mass to prevent an opponent from reaching their goal.
12/1/2004 - Paper Modeling Techniques
Students will learn how to use paper as an effective modeling material.
11/1/2004 - k'Nex Roller Coaster Physics
Students will apply the concept of work to an object, calculate work using formulas, and distinguish the relation of work to energy.
10/1/2004 - Build a Medieval Trebuchet
Students will design a build a working model of a medieval trebuchet, which was used to launch heavy weights at the enemy.
9/1/2004 - Fluid Power Systems
Students design and build a hydraulically operated robot arm. Using the World Wide Web, students gain background information about fluid principles, hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechanical advantage.
5/1/2004 - Rendering Practice
Students will practice a variety of rendering techniques on blocks, mechanical parts and drawings.
2/1/2004 - Fresh Scents
During this activity, students are posed with the challenge of developing a new innovative air freshener.
1/1/2004 - Our Favorite Toys
This lesson introduces mechanical control systems. Using mechanical toys, students explore the concept of control systems, and use the Internet to research related concepts. Students conduct an activity where they take apart a mechanical toy and analyze the input, control, and output of the device. Then, they create a presentation to explain how the control system of the toy works.
12/1/2003 - Volts, Current, and Resistance
Students will explore the relationship between volts, current, and resistance, solving real life problems using math formulas.
11/1/2003 - Series and Parallel Circuits
Students will explore how series and parallel circuits work through software and hands-on experimentation.
3/1/2003 - Candle Snuffer
Students use mechanical and problem solving abilities to develop a device to put out the flame of a candle.
2/1/2003 - Paper Platform
Develop and construct a platform that will support the weight of a concrete block.
1/1/2003 - Utensil Handle Re-Design
Students will evaluate the ergonomic criteria needed for a handle for a utensil, and re-design it for use by someone with a disability.
9/1/2002 - Cell Phone
Have students practice creating mock-ups, using simple, inexpensive materials.

Manufacturing Systems

11/1/2005 - Adhesive Testing
This unit studies the physical properties of a variety of adhesives. The student will test the strength of various glues and describe the characteristics of each.
10/1/2005 - Interactive Explorations in Manufacturing
Students will explore the main stages in the manufacturing process, then test their knowledge with an on-line game. After the game, they can take several on-line factory tours.
9/1/2005 - Finance in Manufacturing
Students will conduct a financial cost analysis for a product by developing fixed and variable cost projections, using simple product pricing, profit allocation, and break-even charting procedures.
9/1/2005 - Finance in Manufacturing Excel sheets
Students will need these worksheets to complete the Finance in Manufacturing activity.
5/1/2005 - Women are Popping up in Technology
This is a design project for which students write and construct a pop-up book about women's contributions to technology and science.
4/1/2005 - Handmade Paper Lamp
Students will incorporate original designs into a handmade paper lamp using wood, metal, and electricity.
3/1/2005 - Introduction to Materials Processes
Students will learn about many material processes through the construction of a simple plastic ice scraper.
2/1/2005 - Introduction to Combining Processes
Students will learn about many of the combining processes through the construction of a simple key holder.
11/17/2004 - Broad Horizons - Production of Tic Tac Toe Game
Students will apply what they have learned about the five major departments within a company, by setting up and running a small production run.
10/1/2004 - Broad Horizons - Organization of Company
Students will learn about the five major departments within a company, and what each department does.
9/1/2004 - Exploring Solar Power
This unit provides students the opportunity to explore methods engineers have devised for harnessing sunlight to generate power.
9/1/2003 - Impacts of Technology
Students will create a presentation examining some of the problems that technology has created and will suggest solutions to these problems.
5/1/2003 - Production Line - A Flying Propeller
This exercise demonstrates how to assemble vehicles on a production line. First, experimenters will create a working production line. Next, they will use the line to assemble a flying propeller.
4/1/2003 - The Chocolate Factory
Learn how materials are cast and molded using the chocolate as the material!
3/1/2003 - Identifying Plastics
This unit explores the variety of plastics found in society and what theri characteristic properties are.
2/1/2003 - Catalog Tool Order
Students practice identifying tools and filling out orders for a simulated company.
1/1/2003 - Plexiglas Picture Frame
Students will explore forming and separating processes and the unique properties of Plexiglas while creating a small product.
12/1/2002 - Yo-Yo Production
This introductory mass production activity provides plans for jigs, flow charts and everything else needed for students to mass produce a toy yo-yo. NOTE: Takes a long time to download because of drawings. Be patient.
11/1/2002 - Historical Developments in Manufacturing
Students will research and prepare a Powerpoint presentation on the Foundational Technical Developments in Manufacturing.
10/1/2002 - Protect Those Chips!
A packaging design problem for an electronics company that ships delicate electronic chips.
9/1/2002 - Analyzing Production Statistics
A simple data analysis problem, using either traditional drawing or Excel spreadsheet functions. Answers are provided for teacher.

Mechanical Drawing

11/1/2004 - Orthographic Sketching 7
Students will sketch the correct orthographic views from four isometric drawings.
10/1/2004 - Orthographic Sketching 6
Students will sketch the correct orthographic views from four isometric drawings.
9/1/2004 - Orthographic Sketching 5
Students will sketch the correct orthographic views from four isometric drawings.
5/1/2004 - Orthographic Sketching 4
Students will sketch the correct orthographic views from four isometric drawings.
4/1/2004 - Orthographic Sketching 3
Students will sketch the correct orthographic views from four isometric drawings.
3/1/2004 - Isometric Sketching 2
Students will sketch the correct isometric views from eight provided sketches.
2/1/2004 - Isometric Sketching 1
Students will sketch the correct isometric views from eight provided sketches.
1/1/2004 - Orthographic Sketching 2
Students will sketch the correct orthographic views from eight isometric drawings.
12/1/2003 - Orthographic Sketching 1
Students will sketch the correct orthographic views from eight isometric drawings.
11/1/2003 - Isometric Sketching
Practice in sketching straight and curved objects in isometrics.
10/1/2003 - Full Section
Students will draw the three principle views of an object, using a full section to fully describe the object.
9/1/2003 - CAD Engineering
Get students using CAD to solve an isometric assembly drawing.
5/1/2003 - CAD Animation - Architectural
Get students using Pro Desktop (free)and designing animated walk-throughs of floor plan designs.
4/1/2003 - CAD Animation - Engineering
Get students using Pro Desktop (free)and designing 3 dimensional solutions to problems.
3/1/2003 - CAD Architectural
Here's a real life architectural problem for students to solve.
2/1/2003 - Identifying Orthographic Surfaces
Students will correlate the correct orthographic surface to the corresponding isometric surface.
1/1/2003 - Teach CAD
TeachCAD develops CAD training for use with all AutoCAD products. Try free Sample Activities with your Autodesk application. Check out the site for a new problem each month!
12/1/2002 - Offset Spacer Orthographic
Using measurements provided, draw the three views of the offset spacer. Include all hidden lines.
11/1/2002 - Latch Orthographic
Using measurements provided, draw the three views of the latch. Include all hidden lines.
10/1/2002 - Try Square Isometric
Draw the isometric view of the try square provided.
9/1/2002 - Parking Lot Design
An engineering design problem based on Traffic Engineering Theory and Practice.
9/1/2002 - Parking Lot Drawing File

Transportation Systems

5/1/2006 - Interactive Explorations - Rockets
Students will explore the main parts of solide and liquid fuel rockets, then test their knowledge with an on-line game.
4/1/2006 - Glide Away
Using the Internet, students learn about flight principles to design a gliding aircraft.
3/1/2006 - Challenging Technology Issues: Working at Home
Students debate the pros and cons of a societal or environmental issue that has no right or wrong.
2/1/2006 - Simple Electromagnetic Motor
Students will build a model to demonstrate the basic principles of an electromagnetic motor.
1/1/2006 - Up, Up and Away – Airplanes
The airplanes unit starts with a lesson on how an airplane creates lift. This involves a discussion of air pressure and how a wing uses Bernoulli's Principle to change the air pressure.
12/1/2005 - Energy of Motion
The Energy of Motion unit begins with mechanical energy and its two simplest forms: kinetic and potential energy. Next, the concept that energy can change forms is introduced, with examples of kinetic and potential energy interrelationships.
10/1/2005 - FasTracks
Transportation is essential to our everyday lives, yet few people consider how much effort it takes to develope an efficient public transportation system. In the FasTracks Living Lab, students will be responsible for analyzing a light rail system that is simulated on their computer and suggesting improvements that will make the system more effective at meeting its design criteria.
9/1/2005 - Internal Combustion Engines
To observe how air is compressed in an internal-combustion engine by making a model of a piston.
5/1/2005 - Understanding Flight
Students will perform a series of simple experiments that will demonstrate the principles that make it possible for an airplane to lift into the air and remain aloft.
4/1/2005 - Cheapo Aerospace Technology
Students will learn how to design and construct a model rocket from some basic materials,and measure altitude using a homemade sextant.
2/1/2005 - Principles of Flight and Gliders
In this 10 day unit, students will perform some basic experiments related to flight, pilot a simulator, research flight careers, and build a glider.
1/1/2005 - May the Best Rocket Win!
Students will experiment with one variable of a rocket design and select the design that causes the rocket to fly the highest.
11/1/2004 - Wind Tunnel Testing
Students will construct a wind tunnel and test various items in the tunnel.
10/1/2004 - Composite Materials
Students examine a variety of composite materials and their properties.
9/1/2004 - Space Flight Opportunities
Have students design experiments that may actually be sent up in space!
5/1/2004 - Mission to Mars
Students use real information about Mars to design a mission based on their research.
4/1/2004 - Up, Up, and Away
This activity allows students to investigate and apply the laws of physics that govern the flight of helicopters and airplanes. Students build and launch a model rotor, then collect and analyze data about their rotors.
3/1/2004 - Raft Design
Students will design and construct a raft that can support the most weight.
2/1/2004 - Newton Car
Students design and construct a rubber band powered car.
1/1/2004 - NASA Thermal Protection Systems
In this challenge, students learn about how engineers design lightweight but effective reusable thermal protection systems for spacecraft. Make sure to check out the teacher section of the website for additional resources.
12/1/2003 - NASA Electrodynamic Propulsion Systems
Students will try to move a model "satellite" along a track using their own design with a specific set of materials. Make sure to check out the teacher section of the website for additional resources.
11/1/2003 - Remote Control Vehicle
Students will design and build a simple remote control device and vehicle out of everyday materials.
10/1/2003 - Challenging Technology Issues: On a Clear Day
Students debate the pros and cons of a societal or environmental issue that has no right or wrong.
9/1/2003 - An Airport of the Future
To design an airport of the future.
5/1/2003 - Wind Tunnel Testing
To build a wind tunnel, and to test the aerodynamics of a tennis ball in comparison to other objects.
4/1/2003 - Rogallo’s Wing
To build and fly a model of Rogallo’s Wing.
3/1/2003 - Egg Catapult
Design and construct a device that will catapult a Grade A Large egg (your mortar) over a 1 meter high wall. You may only set or “cock” the device. You cannot in anyway aid the egg catapult system.
2/1/2003 - Car Care Checklist
To complete a car care checklist and determine the repercussions of poor car care.
1/1/2003 - Historical Developments in Transportation
Students will research and prepare a Powerpoint presentation on the Foundational Technical Developments in Transportation.
12/1/2002 - Paper Car
Students will design and construct a car out of paper that will carry a given weight the furthest distance. Gravity provides the only propulsion allowed.
11/1/2002 - Vehicle Safety "Eggs"travaganza
Students will design an automobile safety system to protect an egg during impact.
10/1/2002 - Crash Car Derby
Considering passenger safety, students design a vehicle with "crumple zones" that will protect their passenger (a raw egg!).
9/1/2002 - Balloon Racer
A fixed route transit problem, based on Newton's Third Law of Motion.

Problem of the Month

Tech Bowl Qestions of the Month