Done in this order in the Fall and in reverse order in the Spring!


Links & Info.
​Introduction to Tech
​Tech Lab Scavenger Hunt
UNIT 1
FLIGHT: Bottle Rockets (no parachutes)
  • Best time in class or 10 seconds = A+
  • 8 seconds = A
  • 6 seconds = A-
  • 5 seconds = B+
  • 4 seconds = B
  • 3 seconds = B-
  • 2 seconds = C+
  • 1 second = C
  • ​<1 second = C-
  • ​No flight = F
UNIT 2
SHOP BASICS: Technical Drawing, Imperial and Metric Measurements, Tool Identification and Safety
1. Show the "Measuring" and "Multiview" presentations.
2. Each student measures one classroom object in inches and creates a multiview drawing of that object with dimension lines.
3. Each student measures a different classroom object in millimeters and creates a multiview drawing of that object with dimension lines.
4. Identify the tools and their use and safety using the "Shop Tools" worksheet
Measuring with the U.S. and Metric Systems
Multiview Drawings (easy then challenging)
Shop Tools Worksheet and Demonstrations
UNIT 3
WHEELS: CO2 Dragsters
Design, build, and race a CO2-powered dragster against other Riverglen students!
Trophies for:
  • Fastest Dragsters!
  • Best Design
  • Best Paint
Presentation with Requirements
​CO2 Dragster Grade Sheet
​2020 SPEC SHEET
​Riverglen CO2 Dragster Bracket
UNIT 4
FLIGHT: Foam Gliders I
  • ​Construction Grade
  • Performance Grade
Plans to Print
Mini Sparrow Glider Video Instructions
UNIT 5
FLIGHT: 4-Cell Tetrahedral Kite
(Triangle-shaped kite built out of straws and tissue paper)
  • Exceptional construction +10%
  • Flies 3 days in a row = A+
  • Flies 2 days in a row = A
  • Flies 1 day = B
  • Does not fly = C
  • No attempt = F
Video Instructions
UNIT 6
STRUCTURES: Toothpick Bridges
​​(Build a bridge using 100 toothpicks and green glue)
  • Exceptional construction = +10%
  • Holds 25 lbs. for 5 seconds = A+
  • Holds 20 lbs. for 5 seconds = A
  • Holds 15 lbs. for 5 seconds = B
  • Holds 10 lbs. for 5 seconds = C
  • Holds 5 lbs. for 5 seconds = C-
  • Does not hold 5 lbs. for 5 seconds = D
  • No attempt = F    
Bridges Presentation
Arch Bridge Challenge
Toothpick Bridge Gradesheet
Photo of Custom Bridge Tester
UNIT 7
PROBLEM-SOLVING: Rube Goldberg Machine
10-Step Rube Goldberg Machine
  • 2018 Task: Pour cereal in a bowl
  • 2019 Task: Put money in a piggy bank
  • 2020 Task: Turn off a light
​Rube Goldberg Presentation​
Music Video Example
Official Rube Goldberg Site
World's Slowest Rube Goldberg!
"The Page Turner" Example
UNIT 8
DESIGN: Tree House
1. Watch a shortened episode of Treehouse Masters each day.
2. Draw blueprints for a treehouse no larger than 300 square mm with the following:
  • railings or half walls
  • roof or protection from the weather
  • trap door or entrance
  • Ladder or rope​
  • Theme
From Model to Full Size Treehouse
Treehouse Masters: Christmas Treehouse
6 Insane Treehouses
​Treehouse Masters: Amazing Mountain View!
​Orcas Island Treehouse Timelapse
Blueprints for Treehouse
UNIT 9
DESIGN: 3D Design with Sketchup Online
1. Tutorials
2. Design a blocky character
3. 3D print blocky character
4. Design a blocky house

5. 3D Design a Treehouse

Sketchup Online HERE
Tutorial 1: Introduction to Sketchup Online
​Tutorial 2: The Right Toolbar
Tutorial 3: 3D Print a Minecraft Character3D Treehouse Tutorial
UNIT 10
CONSTRUCTION: Model Tree House
1. Use your blueprints to build a scale model of your tree house.
​2. Mount your tree house on/in a real bush or dead branch. 
3. Attach your bush/tree/treehouse to a solid base or in a pot
How to Build a Treehouse in 8 Steps
Model Tree House Grade Sheet
UNIT 11
PROBLEM-SOLVING: Castles & Catapults
1. Medieval Siege Video with Questions (2 days)
2. Build a tabletop catapult (maximum size 12" in any direction) and play "catapult basketball" against other teams. Targets are buckets, boxes, etc. and worth a variety of points depending on their distance and difficulty (5 days).
3. Build a castle to compete in Castle Wars! Castles must:
  • a maximum of 12" in any direction.
  • Include "crenelations" at the top.
  • Include four turrets for archers
  • 4 flags
  • A coat of arms on the castle 
  • A gate 4"x6" gate opening
  • A drawbridge
  • At least 8" diameter open area in the courtyard
Build a Catapult Presentation
NOVA: Medieval Siege Video
NOVA Video Questions
​What's INSIDE a Castle?
Castle Attack Grade Sheet
Coat of Arms Template
Castle Flag Template
FINAL PROJECT: Castle Wars!