Willsboro Central School
PO Box 180
29 School Lane
Willsboro, NY  12996
(518) 963-4456
Stephen Broadwell,
Superintendent

Board of Education
Andrea Robare, President
Craig Jackson, Vice President
Phyllis Klein
Scott Sayward
Bruce Hale
Brandy Sweatt, District Clerk

Home

Achievements

Alumni

Board of
Education

Booster Club

Community
News

Contact Us

"District Administration"
Curriculum Hotspots

Driving Directions to WCS

EDLINE

Emergency
Closings

Employment

Food Service

Fundraising
Calendar

Guidance

Library

Links to
Other
Schools

Mission
Statement

News

Photo Gallery

Register for
Newsletter

School
Calendar

Sports

Student Art Gallery

Student
Groups/Clubs

Student
Links

Student
Handbook

Teacher
Links

Wall of Distinction Form

Web Mail

What Will
My Children
Learn at
Willsboro

WCS A-Z

 

Mr. LePage
Technology Teacher


I received my Bachelors' degree from SUNY Oswego and 
my Masters' degree from SUNY Brockport.  I have 13 years 
of  teaching experience and 8 years here at WCS.  I teach 
Tech 6, Tech 7, Transportation Systems, Residential Structures, Carpentry, Design & Drawing for Production, Criminology and Biotechnology.

My hobbies are backpacking, hunting, fishing, motorcycle touring, snowboarding and camping.

TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
 

TECHNOLOGY COURSES

Technology - Grades 6 & 7

Each student in grades 6 and 7 at Willsboro Central School is scheduled into a semester long course of Technology.  This fulfills the New York State Technology requirement to be completed by the end of grade 8. 
 
The progress of the human race has always been directly linked to the development and management of Technology.  Although technology has been a powerful force in the history of humankind since prehistoric times, it has never been as pervasive an influence on human culture as it is today. 

This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of Technology.  It includes:

  • Systems of Technology 

  • Simple Machines

  • Measurement and Mathematics 

  • Science Concepts 

  • Societal Implications 

  • Communication Skills

  • Safety and Health

  • Psychomotor Skills

  • Career-Related Information

  • Creative Problem Solving

  • Transfer of Learning 

  • The Use of Hand and Power Tools

A variety of activities are used as the students explore these topics.  Approximately two thirds of time is devoted to students' experience with hands-on activities, with the remainder spent on related information, research, and demonstrations.


 

Design and Drawing for Production
Design and Drawing for Production, formerly known as Mechanical Drawing and Design, encourages visual problem solving using a common graphic language to describe forms in the man-made environment. 

This is a drafting course through which students will be able to communicate graphically with accuracy and precision using specified conventions inherent in the major technical drawing areas of orthographic projection, pictorial drawing, and sections.  Students will also be exposed to the drawing areas of auxiliaries, revolutions, and transitions and developments. 

Once students are proficient in using drawing tools and drafting techniques, they move to problem solving, drawing plans, and construction of projects.  Approximately two thirds of time is devoted to students experience with hands-on activities, with the remainder spent on related information, research, and demonstrations. 


Transportation Systems

The development of transportation systems throughout the world has a tremendous impact on the intellectual and economic growth of societies.  Transportation systems allow people to move not only themselves but also durable and nondurable goods in increasingly fast and efficient ways. 

This course explores transportation from four perspectives, air, land, water, and space transportation systems.  Approximately two thirds of the time is devoted to student experience with hands-on activities, with the remainder spent on related information, research, and demonstrations.


Residential Structures
Nearly everyone will, at some time, need to read and understand a set of Residential/Architectural plans.  Persons in technical occupations have a continuing need to interpret commercial plans, but even non-technical persons such as homeowners have occasion to refer to residential plans.  This course is designed for the student who wishes to learn how to understand the reading of such residential plans and put this knowledge to use in a real life setting of constructing such plans. 

Residential Structures is a course that will cover such areas as:

  • Careers in Construction
  • Understanding and Reading Prints/Plans
  • Wall Framing
  • Insulation
  • Roofing
  • Foundations

Approximately two thirds of time is devoted to student experience with hands-on activities that involve basic construction and print reading techniques, with the remainder spent on related information, research, and demonstrations.  


Carpentry
The construction industry employs over six million people in the United States .  The industry builds residential and commercial buildings, among other things.  Residential buildings include houses and apartments.  Commercial buildings include office and government buildings, schools, and hospitals.  Carpenters erect the wood framework of a building.  They install molding, paneling, cabinets, windows and doors.  They have an extensive knowledge of woodworking and woodworking skills. 

This course is designed as an introduction to the Building Trades Field.  The course explores career opportunities in the building trades, competency in the use of the materials and tools used in residential building construction, reading prints and plans used in residential construction and the development of carpentry skills meeting or exceeding recognized standards.  Approximately two thirds of time is devoted to students experience with hands-on activities, with the remainder spent on related information, research, and demonstrations. 


SCIENCE ELECTIVES

Bio Technology
This course is designed as a science elective for interested students.  The first part of the word-“bio”- means “living.”  The second part of the word-“technology”- means “the practical application of knowledge.”  Thus, biotechnology can be defined as the practical application of knowledge acquired from the study of living things.  The Egyptians used biotechnology to produce bread as far back as 4000 BC.  This field has seen explosive growth with the development of new and refined technologies.  Students engage in labs that cover a wide area including, Bioindustries, Biotechnology, Antibiotics, Goods, Services, Biofuels, Biomass, Gene Splicing, and Genetic therapy.  Approximately two thirds of time is devoted to students experience with lab activities, with the remainder spent on related information, research, and demonstrations. 


Criminology
This course is designed as a science elective for interested students.  This course explores the criminal justice system and the ways in which law enforcement officers use scientific methods and procedures to enforce the laws.  From fingerprint analysis to document examination, students perform detailed experiments that will help them understand how scientists solve crimes and what evidence they use to support their findings.  Students learn about the careers in the field, how the criminal judicial system works, examining documents, counterfeiting and forgery, fingerprints, physical evidence, trace evidence, and contact traces.  Approximately two thirds of time is devoted to students experience with lab activities, with the remainder spent on related information, research, and demonstrations. 


TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT COURSE OUTLINES

 

Technology Grade 6 Course Outline

Introduction to Class - Class rules, materials required, student interest survey, etc.
  1. What is technology (Chapter 1)
  2. K'NEX simple machine introduction
    1. Parts identification and names
    2. Clean-up activities
    3. Storage of unfinished work
  3. Inclined planes instruction
    1. Mechanical advantage
    2. Screws
    3. Wedges
    4. Ramps
  4. Inclined planes building activities
    1. Splitting wedge
    2. Chisel
    3. Axe
    4. Hand Drill
    5. Archimedes screw
    6. Propeller
    7. Playground station
  5. Tools and technology (Chapter 2)
  6. Levers instruction
    1. Concepts/keywords/definitions
    2. 1st class lever
    3. 2nd class lever
    4. 3rd class lever
    5. Mechanical advantage
  7. Levers building activities
    1. See-saw
    2. Catapult
    3. Hand cart
    4. Row boat
    5. Scissors
    6. Door
    7. Wheelbarrow
    8. Fishing rod
    9. Hammer
    10. Tweezers
    11. Lever mobile
  8. Materials and technology (Chapter 3)
  9. Gears instruction
    1. Concepts/keywords/definitions
    2. Mechanical advantage
    3. Spur gears
    4. Worm gears
    5. Sprocket gears
    6. Crown gears
    7. Rack and pinion gears
  10. Gear building activities
    1. Spur gear
    2. Sprocket bicycle gear
    3. Crown gear
    4. Rack and pinion gear
    5. Worm and worm gear
    6. Planetary gear
    7. Simple transmission
    8. Car window
    9. Lawn mower
    10. Eggbeater
    11. Food mixer
    12. Differential
    13. The clock
  11. Energy and technology (Chapter 4)
  12. Wheels and axles
    1. Concepts/keywords/definitions
    2. Circumference
    3. Mechanical advantage
  13. Wheels and axles building activities
    1. Wrench
    2. Screwdriver
    3. Ferris wheel
    4. Water wheel
    5. Paddlewheel boat
    6. Windmill
    7. Measuring wheel
    8. Wagon
    9. Carousel
  14. Pulleys
    1. Concepts/keywords/definitions
    2. Fixed pulley
    3. Moveable pulley
  15. Pulley building activities
    1. Fixed pulley
    2. Moveable pulley
    3. Combination pulleys
    4. The flagpole
    5. Sailboat
    6. Clothesline
    7. Elevator
    8. Block and tackle
    9. Crane

 

 

Technology Grade 7 Course Outline

Introduction to Class - Class rules, materials required, student interest survey, etc.
  1. Information and technology (Chapter 5)
  2. Measurement and ruler reading
  3. Technical drawing introduction
    1. Drafting and drawing tools
    2. Drawing border and title block
    3. Proper lettering for drawings
    4. Centering drawings on paper
    5. Drawing 3 views of an object
  4. Tool and equipment identification and use
    1. Saw practice
  5. Survival saw project introduction
    1. Survival saw construction procedure
    2. Survival saw project construction
    3. Use of wood files
    4. Sand paper grits and finish sanding techniques
    5. Finishing techniques-applying stain/paint/polyurethane
  6. People, time and technology (Chapter 6)
  7. Mouse trap powered vehicle introduction
    1. MTPV sketches
    2. MTPV 3 view drawings
    3. MTPV construction procedure sheet
    4. MTPV project construction
    5. MTPV project testing/grading
  8. Communication technology (Chapter 10)
  9. Bridge building project introduction
    1. Structural strengths/trusses
    2. Bridge building prototype drawings
    3. Bridge building final drawing
    4. Exacto knife safety
    5. Bridge building construction
    6. Bridge testing/calculating efficiency
  10. Transportation technology (Chapter 11)
  11. CO2 car project introduction
    1. CO2 car prototype drawings
    2. CO2 car final design drawing
    3. Transferring design pattern to wood
    4. CO2 car construction
    5. CO2 car testing/grading
  12. Production/Biorelated systems (Chapter12)

 

 

Technology Grade 8 Course Outline

Introduction to Class - Class rules, materials required, student interest survey, etc.

  1. Designing technological systems (Chapter7)

  2. Measurement and ruler reading

  3. Technical drawing introduction

    1. Drafting and drawing tools

    2. Drawing border and title block

    3. Proper lettering for drawings

    4. Centering drawings on paper

    5. Drawing 3 views of an object

    6. 3 view drawing practice

  4. Tool and equipment identification and use

    1. Saw practice

  5. Multipurpose container project introduction

    1. 3 view drawings of container objects (CD box, cassette tape and soda can)

    2. Calculation of container size

    3. 3 view drawings of container

    4. CAD introduction 3 view CAD drawings of container

    5. Container construction procedure sheet

    6. Container construction

    7. Using glue and clamps (Combining tools)

    8. Wood finishing methods

    9. Sand paper grits and finish sanding techniques

    10. Finishing techniques/applying stain/paint/polyurethane

    11. Use of wood filler

    12. Procedure for installing hinges

    13. Multipurpose container project grading

  6. Production systems/manufacturing (Chapter 8)

  7. Gumball machine project introduction

    1. Gumball machine prototype drawings

    2. 3 view drawings of gumball machine

    3. Procedure sheet for construction

    4. Gumball machine project construction

    5. Gumball machine project grading

  8. Production systems/construction (Chapter 8) 

  9. Tower building project introduction

    1. Structural design concepts and trusses

    2. Forces of earthquakes on structures

    3. Tower wood cutting procedures

    4. Exacto knife safety

    5. Tower designs

    6. Tower design construction

    7. Tower testing and grading

  10. Impacts of technology

  11. Boat hull design project introduction

    1. Boat hull design prototypes

    2. Proper use of wood chisels

    3. Boat hull design construction

    4. Boat hull design testing/grading

  12. Technology and the future (Chapter 14)

 

 

Design and Drawing for Production Class Outline

Introduction to Class - Class rules, materials required, student interest survey, etc.

  1. Two dimensional drawing instruction

    1. Ruler reading/measurement

    2. Drafting tools

    3. Clean and label drawing boards

    4. Assign T-squares

    5. Procedure for storage of drafting tools/proper clean-up

    6. Procedure for attaching drawing paper to board

    7. Proper lettering for drawings

    8. Procedure for centering drawings

    9. Procedure for determining views of objects

    10. Types of hidden lines and their uses

    11. Procedure for scaling drawings/use of an architectural scale

    12. 3 view drawing practices

    13. Actual object measuring and drawing in 3 views

  2. Three dimensional drawing instruction

    1. Types 3D drawing

    2. Isometric drawings

    3. Cavalier drawings

    4. Cabinet drawings

    5. Point perspective drawings

  3. 3 cassette container project introduction

    1. Tool identification and use

    2. Shop equipment identification and use

    3. Shop safety review

    4. Container drawings and design

    5. Written procedure sheet for project construction

    6. 3 cassette container project work

    7. Wood finishing methods

    8. Proper use of glue and clamps (Combining tools)

    9. Sand paper grits and finish sanding techniques

    10. Finishing techniques/applying stain/paint/polyurethane

    11. Proper use of wood filler

    12. Project grading

  4. Pattern development drawing instruction

    1. Rectangular prism drawing

  5. Note pad holder project introduction

    1. 3 view drawings of note pad holder

    2. Isometric or cavalier drawing of note pad holder

    3. Procedure sheet for construction of note pad holder

    4. Note pad holder construction

    5. Procedures for installing hinges

    6. Note pad holder finishing and grading

  6. Sectional view drawing instructions

    1. Sectional view drawings

  7. Wood joint types and uses

    1. Chisel use and techniques (Separating tool)

    2. Wood joint sectional view drawings

    3. Student creation of 10 different types of wood joints

    4. Wood joint project grading

  8. Compact disc holder project introduction

    1. 3 view drawings of CD holder

    2. Isometric or Cavalier drawing of CD holder

    3. Procedure sheet for construction of CD holder

    4. CD holder project construction

    5. CD holder project grading

  9. Types of woods and their uses

    1. Wood processing

    2. Wood type identification

    3. Sectional view drawing

  10. Birdhouse project introduction

    1. 3 view drawings of birdhouse

    2. Isometric or Cavalier drawing of birdhouse

    3. Procedure sheet for construction of birdhouse

    4. Birdhouse project construction

    5. Birdhouse project grading

  11. Schematic drawing instruction

    1. Schematic drawing practice

  12. Trebuchet project introduction

    1. Using the internet for research

    2. Trebuchet research 

    3. 3 view drawings of trebuchet

    4. Isometric or Cavalier drawing of trebuchet

    5. Procedure sheet for the construction of trebuchet

    6. Trebuchet project construction

    7. Trebuchet testing/modification

    8. Trebuchet project grading

  13. Final Exam

 

 

Transportation Systems Course Outline

Introduction to Class - Class rules, materials required, student interest survey, etc.

  1. Areas of transportation - (Chapter 11) Air, Space, Land and Water

  2. Air transportation research with worksheets

    1. Flight principles

    2. Aircraft controls

    3. Building a glider project introduction

    4. Glider construction

    5. Glider testing/grading

    6. Aircraft unit test

    7. Careers in aviation exploration

  3. Space transportation research with worksheets

    1. Newton's 1st law worksheet

    2. Newton's 2nd law worksheet

    3. Newton's 3rd law worksheet

    4. Space craft thrust experiment

    5. Building a rocket project introduction

    6. Rocket project construction

    7. Rocket testing/safety

    8. Rocket testing/grading

    9. Space unit test

  4. Land transportation research with worksheets

    1. Building a land rover project introduction

    2. Land rover vehicle sketches

    3. Procedure sheet for construction of land rover

    4. Land rover construction

    5. Land rover testing/grading

    6. Land transportation unit test

  5. Water transportation research with worksheets

    1. Building a motorboat project introduction

    2. Motorboat design sketches

    3. Procedure sheet for the construction of motorboat

    4. Motorboat construction

    5. Water transportation unit test

  6. Final Exam

 

 

Automotive Systems Class Outline

Introduction to Class - Class rules, materials required, student interest survey, etc.

  1. Automotive Systems Overview

    1. Engines

    2. Brakes

    3. Frames

    4. Suspension

    5. Cooling System

    6. Transmission Systems

    7. Fuel Systems

    8. Ignition Systems

    9. Electrical Systems

    10. Steering Systems

    11. Climate Control Systems

    12. Lubrication Systems

    13. Exhaust Systems

    14. Drive Lines, Differentials and Axles

    15. Tires and Wheels

    16. Safety Systems - Seat Belts and Air Bags

  2. 3 Keys to a starting engine

    1. Fuel

    2. Air

    3. Spark

  3. Automotive tools (Mechanics Tool Set)

    1. What you really need

    2. Basic Set

      1. Ratchet and Socket Set - American and Metric with spark plug sockets

      2. Screw Drivers - Flat Tip and Phillips head

      3. Combination Open and Box end wrenches - American and Metric

      4. Pry Bar

      5. Ball-peen Hammer

      6. Allen, Hex and Torex Bit sets

      7. Pliers and Side Cutters

      8. Test light

      9. Impact Driver

      10. Drop light

  4. Vehicle Service Practice

    1. Loosening a tight bolt using heat

    2. How to use a tap and die set

    3. Proper way to lift a vehicle

    4. How to change a tire

    5. Oil change

    6. Coolant change

    7. Transmission oil and filter change

    8. Differential oil change

    9. Fuel filter replacement

    10. Tune-up

      1. Gap and replace spark plugs

      2. Replace cap and rotor

      3. Replace plug wires

      4. Replace air filter

      5. Adjust engine timing

    11. Replace brake fluid

    12. Replace power steering fluid

    13. Replace disc brake pads

    14. Replace drum brake shoes

    15. Replace brake line

  5. Vehicle diagnostics

    1. Testing plug wires

    2. Testing antifreeze protection

    3. Battery testing

    4. Engine compression testing

    5. Electrical testing

      1. Testing for power - test light

      2. Testing fuses - DVOM

    6. Clutch testing

 

 

Residential Structures Course Outline

Introduction to Class - Class rules, materials required, student interest survey, etc.

  1. Residential structures introduction

    1. Types of homes

    2. Lumber grades and fasteners

    3. Wood sheet products

    4. Types of construction framing

    5. Framing tools and equipment

    6. Measurement and ruler reading

    7. Calculating square footage

  2. Scale model 2 bedroom home project introduction

    1. Safety and procedures for wood cutting and model home building

    2. Model home building project work

    3. Model home project grading

  3. Construction framing

    1. Platform framing

    2. Balloon framing

    3. Post and Beam framing

    4. Floor framing

    5. Posts and girders

    6. Floor joists

    7. Laying a sub floor

    8. Reading construction plans

    9. Wall framing

    10. Rough window and door framing

    11. Adding a partition wall

    12. Log cabin construction video

    13. Truss roof framing

    14. Roofing video

  4. Residential electrical wiring

    1. Electrical wiring research and worksheet

    2. Electrical wiring mock-up practice

  5. Residential plumbing

    1. Plumbing research and worksheet

    2. Plumbing mock-up practice

  6. Masonry and cement work

    1. Masonry research and worksheet

    2. Masonry mock-up practice

  7. Careers in residential structures

  8. Residential structures final exam

 

 

 

Architectural Drawing Class Outline

Introduction to Class - Class rules, materials required, student interest survey, etc.

  1. Introduction drawing instruction

    1. Ruler reading/measurement

    2. Drafting tools

    3. Clean and label drawing boards

    4. Assign T-squares

    5. Procedure for storage of drafting tools/proper clean-up

    6. Procedure for attaching drawing paper to board

    7. Proper lettering for drawings

    8. Procedure for centering drawings

    9. Procedure for scaling drawings/use of an architectural scale

    10. Drawing border and title block

    11. Procedure for drawing walls

    12. Use of architectural templates

    13. Drawing doors and windows

    14. Drawing areas of the home

      1. Sleeping area - master bedroom with bath

      2. Living area - with furniture and 1/2 bath

      3. Service area - kitchen, dining room, laundry room, garage with workshop

    15. Drawing doors worksheet

    16. Drawing windows worksheet

  2. Floor plan drawing instruction

    1. Complete floor plan drawn in 1/4 inch scale (2 floors)

      1. Colonial design

      2. Tudor design

      3. Gambrel roof design

      4. New England salt box

      5. Garrison design

    2. Complete original design 2 story floor plans

  3. Front Elevation drawing instruction

    1. Front elevation drawing worksheet

    2. Use of burnishing templates

    3. Front elevation drawings of selected 2 story design

  4. Plot plan drawing instruction

    1. Plot plan drawing worksheet

    2. Use of landscape templates

    3. Plot plan drawings of selected design

  5. Foundation plan drawing instruction

    1. Foundation plan drawing worksheet

    2. Foundation plan drawing of selected design

  6. Electrical plan drawing instruction

    1. Electrical plan drawing worksheet

    2. Making an Electrical schedule key

    3. Electrical plan drawing of selected design

  7. Plumbing plans drawing instruction

    1. Plumbing plan worksheet

    2. Plumbing plan of selected design

  8. Climate control plan drawing instruction

    1. Climate control worksheet

    2. Climate control plan drawing of selected design

  9. Perspective drawing instruction

    1. Perspective drawing worksheet

    2. Perspective drawing of selected design

  10. Presentation drawing instruction

    1. Presentation drawing worksheet

    2. Presentation drawing of selected design

  11. Final Exam

 

 

 

CAD Course Outline

Introduction to Class - Class rules, materials required, student interest survey, etc.

  1. Computer Aided drafting introduction

    1. CAD terminology

    2. Geometry review

    3. CAD menu applications

    4. Procedures and practice of determining views of objects

    5. CAD practice drawings

  2. 3 view CAD drawing exercises

    1. Using layers to create hidden lines

    2. CAD drawings 7-10 thru 7-19

    3. CAD drawings 41 thru 50

    4. CAD drawings 18-1 thru 18-5

    5. Sectional view drawings 1 and 2

  3. Isometric drawing instruction

    1. Isometric practice drawings 1 thru 3

    2. CAD isometric drawings 7-7 thru 7-19

    3. CAD isometric drawings 18-1 thru 18-6

    4. CAD isometric drawings 20-1 thru 20-6

  4. Architectural floor plan drawings in CAD

    1. CAD floor plan drawing

  5. Schematic drawings in CAD

    1. CAD schematic plan drawing

  6. CAD Final Exam

 

 

Biotechnology Course Outline

Introduction to Class - Class rules, materials required, student interest survey, etc.

  1. Modern Biotechnology

    1. Definition of biotechnology

    2. Ancient biotechnology

    3. Classical biotechnology

    4. Foundations of modern biotechnology

  2. The DNA revolution

    1. Early years of biotechnology

    2. DNA experiments

    3. Concerns and safety

    4. NIH Guidelines (National Institutes of Health)

  3. Gene Expression

    1. DNA structure

    2. DNA replication

    3. The Gene

    4. Ribonucleic Acid

    5. Transcription

    6. Proteins

    7. The Genetic Code

    8. Translation

    9. Regulation of Gene expression

    10. Understanding and exploiting Gene expression

  4. Basic principles of recombinant DNA technology

    1. Cutting and joining DNA

    2. Cell transformation

    3. Cloning vectors

    4. DNA sequencing

    5. Applications of recombinant DNA technology

  5. Microbial biotechnology

    1. Commercial production of microorganisms

    2. Bioconversions

    3. Use in Agriculture

    4. Products produced from microorganisms

    5. Bioremediation

    6. Oil and Mineral recovery