With the increasing pace of technology worldwide it is important that we teach students how to prepare to, adapt to, and use the technological changes that will invariably affect their lives.

The educational area of Industrial Arts has evolved since the 1980’s to reflect the changes within the areas of Manufacturing, Construction, Communications and Transportation.  Industrial Technology or Technology Education is now used in place of Industrial Arts to highlight the change in attitude, just as Vocational Schools are now referred to as Technical Colleges. We are modifying what we teach and what we call this area of study to reflect the changes that technology has made in these four areas of study.

As an example, drafting is now performed on a computer and referred to as CAD – Computer Aided Drawing or Computer Aided Design. In the area of communication, the students learn how to do basic sketches and acquire the rudimentary basics of drafting using triangles, T-Squares and a compass. With this basic knowledge, they may elect to take the high school drafting course which includes exposure to CAD.

Manufacturing is taught by having students construct cutting boards. This class project requires students to perform the duties of various employees within a manufacturing facility. They are dependent of one another to produce the project with accurate placement of the various pieces and proper gluing and clamping. The board is rough cut on the band saw and then trimmed to finish size. The edges are rounded over and a hole is drilled for hanging.

Transportation is taught using a vehicle that students build after learning about aerodynamics and presenting a report about what was learned. The vehicles are tested using CO2 cartridges that propel them along a fishing line.

Construction is taught by building a Trivet. Accurate measurement using the inch system is studied using a worksheet then applying it to cutting wood on the band saw, scroll saw and hand tools. Several ways of joining wood are taught and accuracy is encouraged.

The preceding examples do not cover the entire curriculum, and may be modified or changed as needed. St. Bernard’s School provides a 6 week program for Middle School students in several subject areas, including Industrial Technology Education. Every effort is made to provide students as broad a range of experiences as possible to enhance their knowledge about possible career opportunities and life interests.

Safety is emphasized throughout all the classes that are taught. Every student must wear safety glasses when machines are in operation and ear plugs when very loud machines or operations are in process. Every machine is demonstrated that will be used by grade for the tasks needed to be performed, and every student must pass a safety test prior to operating any machine.