Technology

AIMS OF SUBJECT:

  • To contribute to a balanced education, giving students a broad and challenging experience that will enable them to acquire a body of knowledge, understanding, cognitive and manipulative skills and competencies and so prepare them to be creative participants in a technological world
  • To enable students to integrate such knowledge and skills, together with qualities of co- operative enquiry and reflective thought, in developing solutions to technological problems, with due regard for issues of health and safety
  • To facilitate the development of a range of communication skills, which will encourage students to express their creativity in a practical and imaginative way, using a variety of forms: words, graphics, models, etc.
  • To provide a context in which students can explore and appreciate the impact of past, present and future technologies on the economy, on society and the on the environment.


RATIONALE FOR SUBJECT:

Particular student learning outcomes are indicated in each section of the syllabus. The problem-solving dimension of the course emphasises skills and competencies; knowledge and understanding are the foundations for the process. Successful participation in the course should result in improved student attitudes to self and increased awareness of the impact of technology on the social and environmental aspects of today’s world.

 

SUBJECT TOPICS/ SYLLABUS CONTENT:

Technology Theory and Practical
Project Management
Interpret and construct Gantt charts,
Identifying scheduling and monitoring the phases of a design
Construct critical path diagrams for design and execution of simple
projects.

Quality Management
Quality and the quality attributes of simple products
Quality and product life-cycle
Simple quality problem-solving tools

Quality and cost
The concept of reliability and its impact on product quality
and performance


Materials and Production
Development of manufacturing skills
Design and make framework, to enable the production of an
artefact
Safety procedures in the use of hand and power tools and
equipment
Properties of a range of materials
The importance of accuracy in the measuring and marking-out of
materials
Manufacturing processes
Finishing materials
The economic use of resources

Communications and Graphic Media
Communication of design ideas and in the preparation of working
drawings
3D representations in communicating design ideas
Freehand drawing, 2D and 3D forms and their importance in
developing design ideas
The use of light and shade, texture, rendering, colour, and
reflection
Standard graphic signs, symbols and conventions in current use
Schematic drawings, procedural sketches, charts diagrams
Computer graphics software
Structures and Mechanisms
Revision of what is covered from the junior cert syllabus and
advancement to leaving cert standard.

Energy, Electricity, and Electronics
Revision of basic electronics covered in junior cert technology, with an
advancement to components such as timers, genie chip and the creation
of a PCB using the  tech soft machine.

Information and Communications Technology
Again revising the junior certificate syllabus and advancing towards
leaving cert standard e.g. networking, computer architecture, the internet,
multimedia and design.

Materials and Technology
Revise basic materials from junior certificate and advance to materials
testing, Materials production, structures, and degradation.

Project/practical work
Solidworks/Laser cutting/ 3D printing. – Leaving certificate themed project.
Students engage in a full leaving certificate themed project. This is a
designed based project. As part of this exercise students will complete a
portfolio. During the course of the project students will become familiar
with different joining processes suitable for use on the laser cutters (finger
joints etc.) Students will become competent with using all CNC machinery
through the whole project.

 

ASSESSMENT:

In line with our school procedures the students are given exams at October mid – Term, Christmas, Easter & Summer Exams.
These results are recorded in the teacher’s diary and are written into report books by the teacher along with a subject comment and are sent out twice/three times a year.

Teachers are free to give separate topic tests at any other stage during the year.

Assessment will also take place during class of practical and project work.

When each project is complete, a grade and comment will be given to
each student.


POSSIBLE CAREER OPTIONS:

Technology gives students a basic understanding of the principles of engineering, design and project management. If you enjoyed the technology programme at Junior Cert level, and like hands-on activity, this subject may develop an interest in a career in engineering or technology.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
see:  www.t4.ie/


 

 

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