School/District Representative: Connie Blaine
SLO Project Name: Exploring Manufacturing
Authored by: Connie Blaine
E-mail: cforttre@mum.neric.org
Homepage address: elcs.neric.org
Grade Level(s): 7-8
Subject Area(s): Technology, Introductory Internet
Objective (Learning context):
This unit is designed as an online supplement for middle school students and teachers who wish to expand their knowledge of the manufacturing industry with the use of the Internet. It provides a topic appropriate reading assignment and assessment, an online classroom activity, and a closing assignment/assessment. An instruction page with step-by step directions is also provided to guide the student through this self-paced module which is designed to take 3-4 class periods to complete.
Assessment scores are given for the post reading activity and the closing assignment of this unit.
Prior knowledge:
Students should be familiar with the concept of manufacturing and ideally have completed a reading assignment about the topic. Basic Windows skills and familiarity with using a web browser are prerequisites. Students should also have the ability to follow instructions independently of classroom supervision.
Subsequent knowledge:
 | Students will become familiar with common terminology used in the manufacturing industry. |
| Students will be able to discuss the concept of manufacturing and give specific examples. |
| Students will utilize critical thinking. |
| Students will be aware of the pros and cons of manufacturing and be able to discuss them. |
Procedure:
Specific activity:
This online module is designed to be completed in approximately 3 hours.
- Read the Instructions page completely.
- Return to the top and complete the reading assignment (it is suggested that students take notes on vocabulary they are not familiar with.)
- Proceed to Online Manufacturing Tours (each student should choose 1 tour to take with a partner.) They should continue to document industry jargon.
- Assignment: Students should print out and complete the vocabulary homework.
- Activity: Students should read the instructions and tips for the manufacturing layout activity and print out and complete their worksheet.
| More specific instructions are available at Manufacturing Unit Directions. |
Instructional Modifications:
Some students may benefit from printing a hard copy of all materials for this unit.
Headphones are suggested for students with hearing disabilities for the "factory tours" portion of this unit which has sound.
Time Required: approx. 3 hours.
Resources
(materials):
Websites utilized:
Start at:
http://elcs.neric.org/faculty/Ms.%20Blaine/Technology/SLo/directions.htm
Tours: http://www.manufacturingiscool.com/cgi-bin/mfgcoolhtml.pl?/tours.htm&
Learning Standards Referenced: MST- Standard 5
Engineering Design
| Engineering design is an iterative process involving modeling and optimization used to develop technological solutions to problems within given constraints. |
Computer Technology
| Computers, as tools for design, modeling, information processing, communication, and system control, have greatly increased human productivity and knowledge. |
Technology Systems
| Technological systems are designed to achieve specific results and produce outputs, such as products, structures, services, energy, or other systems. |
Performance Indicators:
Engineering Design
| locate and utilize a range of printed, electronic, and human information resources to obtain ideas |
Computer Technology
| use a computer system to connect to and access needed information from various Internet sites |
Technology Systems
| describe how system control requires sensing information, processing it, and making changes |
Assessments:
- Successful completion of vocabulary assignment.
- Completion of online factory tour.
- Successful completion of "factory layout" design activity.
Exemplars:
- Student is able to navigate through activity with minimal technical difficulty.
- Pupil can define terms encountered during this unit.
- Student considers design factors (i.e. size and purpose) in the "manufacturing layout" activity.
Reflections:
This module has utility across the curriculum.