Massachusetts Department of Education
Curriculum Framework for
Science
and Technology/Engineering Grades 6-8
1.
Materials, Tools,
and Machines
Broad Concept: Appropriate materials, tools, and machines enable us to
solve problems, invent, and construct.
1.1 Given a design task, identify appropriate materials (e.g.,
wood, paper, plastic, aggregates, ceramics, metals, solvents,
adhesives) based on specific properties and characteristics (e.g.,
weight, strength, hardness, and flexibility).
1.2 Identify and explain appropriate measuring tools, hand tools,
and power tools used to hold, lift, carry, fasten, and separate, and
explain their safe and proper use.
1.3 Identify and explain the safe and proper use of measuring
tools, hand tools, and machines (e.g., band saw, drill press, sanders,
hammer, screwdriver, pliers, tape measure, screws, nails, and other
mechanical fasteners) needed to construct a prototype of an engineering
design.
2.
Engineering
Design
Broad Concept: Engineering design is an iterative process involving
modeling and optimizing for developing technological solutions to
problems within given constraints.
2.1 Identify and explain the steps of the engineering design
process, i.e., identify the need or problem, research the problem,
develop possible solutions, select the best possible solution(s),
construct a prototype, test and evaluate, communicate the solution(s),
and redesign.
2.2 Demonstrate methods of representing solutions to a design
problem, e.g., sketches, orthographic projections, multiview drawings.
2.3 Describe and explain the purpose of a given prototype.
2.4 Identify appropriate materials, tools, and machines needed to
construct a prototype of a given engineering design.
2.5 Explain how such design features as size, shape, weight,
function, and cost limitations would affect the construction of a given
prototype.
2.6 Identify the five elements of a universal systems model:
goal, inputs, processes, outputs, and feedback.
3.
Communication
Technologies
Broad Concept: Ideas can be communicated though engineering drawings,
written reports, and pictures.
3.1 Identify and explain the components of a communication
system, i.e., source, encoder, transmitter, receiver, decoder, storage,
retrieval, and destination.
3.2 Identify and explain the appropriate tools, machines, and
electronic devices (e.g., drawing tools, computer-aided design, and
cameras) used to produce and/or reproduce design solutions (e.g.,
engineering drawings, prototypes, and reports).
3.3 Identify and compare communication technologies and systems,
i.e., audio, visual, printed, and mass communication.
3.4 Identify and explain how symbols and icons (e.g.,
international symbols and graphics) are used to communicate a message.
4.
Manufacturing
Technologies
Broad Concept: Manufacturing is the process of converting raw materials
(primary process) into physical goods (secondary process), involving
multiple industrial processes, e.g., assembly, multiple stages of
production, quality control.
4.1 Describe and explain the manufacturing systems of custom and
mass production.
4.2 Explain and give examples of the impacts of interchangeable
parts, components of mass-produced products, and the use of automation,
e.g., robotics.
4.3 Describe a manufacturing organization, e.g., corporate
structure, research and development, production, marketing, quality
control, distribution.
4.4 Explain basic processes in manufacturing systems, e.g.,
cutting, shaping, assembling, joining, finishing, quality control, and
safety.
5.
Construction
Technologies
Broad Concept: Construction technology involves building structures in
order to contain, shelter, manufacture, transport, communicate, and
provide recreation.
5.1 Describe and explain parts of a structure, e.g., foundation,
flooring, decking, wall, roofing systems.
5.2 Identify and describe three major types of bridges (e.g.,
arch, beam, and suspension) and their appropriate uses (e.g., site,
span, resources, and load).
5.3 Explain how the forces of tension, compression, torsion,
bending, and shear affect the performance of bridges.
5.4 Describe and explain the effects of loads and structural
shapes on bridges.
6.
Transportation
Technologies
Broad Concept: Transportation technologies are systems and devices that
move goods and people from one place to another across or through land,
air, water, or space.
6.1 Identify and compare examples of transportation systems and
devices that operate on each of the following: land, air, water, and
space.
6.2 Given a transportation problem, explain a possible solution
using the universal systems model.
6.3 Identify and describe three subsystems of a transportation
vehicle or device, i.e., structural, propulsion, guidance, suspension,
control, and support.
6.4 Identify and explain lift, drag, friction, thrust, and
gravity in a vehicle or device, e.g., cars, boats, airplanes, rockets.
7.
Bioengineering
Technologies
Broad Concept: Bioengineering technologies explore the production of
mechanical devices, products, biological substances, and organisms to
improve health and/or contribute improvement to our daily lives.
7.1 Explain examples of adaptive or assistive devices, e.g.,
prosthetic devices, wheelchairs, eyeglasses, grab bars, hearing aids,
lifts, braces.
7.2 Describe and explain adaptive and assistive bioengineered
products, e.g., food, bio-fuels, irradiation, integrated pest
management.
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