teanj technology education teachers and tidbits … · page 2 teanj executive board 2002-03...

Newsletter for the Technology Educators Association of New Jersey WINTER 2002/03 Vol. 14 Issue No. 2

n A2169 Passed In Assembly!!!Thanks to hard work on the part ofTEANJ members, A2169 passed in theNew Jersey Assembly by a vote of 58yes, 8 no, 9 abstentions! If you arewondering about the next steps of theprocess, the bill would have to movethrough the Senate, then be signed bythe Governor.The TEANJ ExecutiveBoard is working hard to determineour next steps in terms of standards.Remember, the state has alreadyproposed standard 8, technologicalliteracy, so we may need to focus ourattention there for now.

n TEANJ 17th Annual TechnologyConference and Expo is being heldon May 8&9, 2003 at the EastBrusnwick Hilton. Registration isbeginning soon. Visit the TEANJwebsite at www.teanj.org and click onthe “Conference” link for more details.

n TEANJ Future TechnologyEducator Scholarship Fund hasbecome a reality. To make a tax-freecontribution to this fund, see page 14of this issue for more info.

n There is still a little time left to arrangeto attend the 2003 ITEA Conferencebeing held in Nashville, Tennesseefrom March 13-15, 2003. The theme ofthis will be Advancing Information andKnowledge through Innovation.Information is available at the ITEAwebsite: www.iteawww.org.

n Applications for the 2003INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGYEDUCATOR AWARD are due onJanuary 31. This award is sponsored bythe Martinson Family Foundation andrecognizes extraordinary contributionsand performance by technologyeducators with an unrestricted cashaward of $10,000 to each honoree.Check out the TEANJ website forapplication deadlines for this award.Also, see page 5 of this issue fordetails.

TEANJTIDBITS

Technology Education Teachers andStudents Making Headlines in the State

Technology Education programshave been making headlines in thestate recently. News of the greatwork of the students in technologyeducation programs come as nosurprise to those who have been inthe classroom with these students.TEANJ members have seen thecapabilities and creativities of theyoung people in their classrooms.It is wonderful that many in the stateare taking notice of what is going onin technology education classes.The premise of authentic, problem-based activities in the classroom inthe form of TLA’s have been astandard in the technologyeducation class. Events in the world,in the state and in communities havegiven technology teachersopportunities to work with theirstudents and to solve real problems.The success of technology studentsin affecting change in their world isbeing noticed. This recognition for

technology educators and theirstudents for their positive efforts.

-----The following article appeared in theSunday Star-Ledger on Nov. 10, 2002and is reprinted with permission .

Students have designs onMorristown lotDrafting class gives teens a chance to putskills to use on local projectBY BILL SWAYZE; Star-Ledger Staff

Justin Lacey used to draw up plansfor homes that would never be builtwhile clicking away in his computer-aided design class at MorristownHigh School. Now the 16-year-oldjunior is coming up with a blueprintfor a new municipal public worksdepartment garage and an adjacentsoccer field, skateboarding park andrecycling center on nine acres oftown-owned property off Lake Road.

The assignment is the result of apilot program that teams upcomputer-aided design students withthe town's engineering department.What started out as an ideamentioned to a teacher at a back-to-school night last year has becomea bonus for both the students, whoare thrilled to be working on actualprojects, and town engineers, whonow have a few eager assistants whowork for free.

"This project is not just somethingbetween me and my teacher, where Ihand a drawing in, it gets graded and

continued on page 10

classroom projects getting attention in many communities

achievement under the direction oftechnology education teachers is agreat source of pride for TEANJmembership.

In this issue of Interface, as withevery issue, TEANJ salutes the

TEANJ Executive Board 2002-03

PresidentSherry Roses

Howell High School405 Squankum-Yellowbrook Road

Farmingdale, NJ 07727732-938-5470 · fax 732-919-1964

e-mail: [email protected]

President ElectBill Meyer

Kittatinny Regional High School77 Halsey Road

Newton, NJ 07860973-383-1800


Past PresidentPhil Paspalas

Pascack Hills High SchoolGrand Avenue

Montvale, NJ 07645201-358-7045 · fax 201-358-7019


SecretaryJim Kennedy

Pascack Valley Regional High School200 Piermont Ave.

Hillsdale, NJ 07642201-358-7073 · fax 201-358-4392


TreasurerJim Novotny

Livingston High School30 Robert Harp DriveLivingston, NJ 07039

973-535-8053 · fax 973-716-9414e-mail: [email protected]

Executive DirectorDave Janosz

Fair Lawn High School14-00 Berdan Ave.

Fair Lawn, NJ 07410ph/fax 201-791-58097


Area RepresentativesNorthern New Jersey

James Mc Intyre973-729-7218

e-mail: [email protected] New Jersey

Matt Konowicz732-521-1174 · fax 732-274-1237

e-mail: [email protected] New Jersey

Rick Ambacher856-589-8500x7701 · fax 856-256-1198


Interface EditorJoanne Reddan

973-239-6400 x110 · fax 973-338-6170e-mail: [email protected]

WebmasterGlenn Smith

856-939-4500 · fax 856-939-8013e-mail: [email protected]

Dear Fellow Technology Educator andfriends,

I would like to thank all of you whohave taken the time to write, call or faxyour assembly representative. Youreffort and persistence has definitelypaid off. The year 2002 comes to a closewith the phenomenal news that the NJGeneral Assembly passed bill A2169.The bill has now been forwarded to theSenate Education Committee. At thistime, with Standard 8 “TechnologicalLiteracy” proposed, the executive boardwill focus on getting that adopted next.

Many of you are concerned aboutlicensure and who will be certificatedto teach the new proposed Standard 8.Members of the executive board arediligently working with legislators to geta bill proposed to create a license oftechnology education. It has been atleast 17 years since the state collegesconverted industrial arts programs totechnology education programs.Student teachers that are in TechnologyEducation programs, pass the PraxisExam and student teaching earn alicense that says “Industrial Arts” on it,despite the fact they never had anindustrial arts course. Those of us whohave a traditional Industrial Artsbackground and have converted totechnology education should be able topass the Praxis Exam easily. We areworking to grandfather those in thatposition as well. To keep abreast oflatest happenings be sure to check outthe TEANJ website –www.teanj.org.

Many of you are now immersed inwriting college recommendations forseniors. Some may still be undecidedabout their intended major. Astechnology educators, we recognizemany of the traits that make a goodtechnology education teacher. If youanalyze your classes, you probablycould identify at least one student who

would be a worthy candidate. Encouragethem to look at technology educationprograms and tell them how rewarding ithas been for you. For an updated list ofcolleges and universities offeringtechnology education programs, visit theITEA website at http://www.iteawww.org/J4.html. This page provides direct linksand contains a wealth of information forjunior and senior students interested inpursuing technology education degrees.If we all recruited just one student a year,it would help the profession by keepinga well-educated pool of teachers in ourstate. From personal experience, I cantell you that there is no greater rewardthan seeing one of your students go onto become a technology educator.

Don’t forget to complete yourapplication for the Innovative TechnologyEducator Award sponsored by theMartinson Family Foundation. This awardrecognizes extraordinary contributionsand performance by educators with anunrestricted cash award of $10,000 foreach of the five awardees chosen. Theapplications must be postmarked nolater than January 31, 2003 to beconsidered. If you applied last year andwant to update your application with newmaterials, the deadline applies to thatalso. A copy of the application andrequirements can be printed out on theTEANJ website.

Much health and happiness to youand your families in the New Year!

Sincerely,

Sherry RosesPresident, TEANJ

December12 Executive Board MeetingJanuary9 Executive Board MeetingFebruary15 Articles and Advertising duefor Interface Issue 3March6 Executive Board Meeting13-15 ITEA Annual Conference20 South Area ProfessionalDevelopment Workshop27 North Area ProfessionalDevelopment WorkshopApril3 Central Area ProfessionalDevelopment Workshop10 Executive Board MeetingMay8-9 TEANJ Annual Conf & Expo15 Articles and Advertising duefor Interface Issue 4

To TEANJ Members: If you agree with what iswritten below, please share with your colleaguesat a faculty meeting, by dropping it in theirmailbox, and/or by discussing this issue withthem.

An open letter to New Jersey teachers,school administrators and citizens:

Please rethink using the word“technology” when you are describingCOMPUTERS. If you are talking aboutcomputers when you say “technology,”please say “computers” instead sincethat’s what you really mean!

People all over equate the word“technology” with computers, yet thatis not the true nature of the term. Infact, it is extremely limiting! Please referto the below definition found atbritannica.com:

Technology: The application ofscientific knowledge to the practicalaims of human life or, as it issometimes phrased, to the change andmanipulation of the humanenvironment.This problem is trying in education,

where people in many ways have largelyoveremphasized the role of computersin the classroom. Even those that arenot using computers in the classroommay exaggerate their potential in theirdesire to garner them. Computers havea role in every area of the curriculum,yet the real problem is that too manyeducators are not comfortable withusing computers themselves.

Schools and districts have hired orappointed specialists or “technologycoordinators” as recognized experts inthe use of computers in the classroom.I question if there will be a need for suchjobs as we know them today just a fewyears from now. School administratorswould do much better to trainthemselves and their staff in the use of

TEANJ 2002-03Calendar of Events

Please stay current withTEANJ Action Alerts byvisiting www.teanj.org

IN THIS ISSUE:President’s Message----- pg. 2From the Exec Director -- pg. 3Vision For Society ------- pg. 4TSA Update -------------- pg. 6Technology Around NJ--- pg. 7IMPACTS/by H. Roman -- pg. 8Excellence Award Form - pg. 9Exec. Board Nomination pg. 13Scholarship Info --------- pg. 14ITEA Info ----------------- pg. 15Editor’s note ------------- pg. 15

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

appropriate computer applications, andthen simply hire qualified technicians tooversee maintenance issues.

I ask you also to rethink the use ofthe term “computer literacy.” Is thecomputer not just a means to an end justas a pencil is? Was “fountain penliteracy” once as fashionable a term?Some professional associations havegone as far as to change their names toinclude “technology” in their title, yetthey really mean information andcomputer related technology. I ask theseorganizations to reconsider the realnecessity of doing such.

The fact is, all students need tounderstand “technology” as “thedesigned world” just as they understand“science” as “the natural world.” Do theyneed to be able to use computers? YES!But, computer skills do not equaltechnological literacy and any educatorthat is promoting “technological literacy”as knowing how to use a computer isdoing all students a dreadful injustice.Technology Education teachers havebeen in schools for decades teachingstudents to apply all knowledge, to solveproblems, and think much like engineersand technologists do.

My purpose is not to downplay theimportance of computers in educationand society. In the field of TechnologyEducation there is a large need to clarifyterms for the sake of our students, andfor the sake of our profession.

Please address questions/comments to:

Dave JanoszExecutive DirectorTechnology Educators Association ofNew JerseyP.O. Box 718Fair Lawn, NJ [email protected]

THANKS TO OUR ADVERTISERS:DeVRY; Goodheart Willcox;Pitsco; Pitsco-Pathways;Synergistic Systems

All those involved with New Jerseyeducation - primarily teachers but alsoparents, NJEA and those administering- have been beleaguered by changes andinitiatives for initiatives’ sake, as theyhave never been beleaguered before. Ihave very great sympathy with theconstant plea for stability, forconsistency, and for support to enableteachers to do their jobs.

Why then another letter containinga clarion call for changes and initiatives?

I have concluded that if the currentgovernment does not take steps tointensify the addition of TechnologyEducation in our schools, a generationof children - and a generation of adults

My Vision for our SocietyAN OPINION by Mark Wallace

as teachers - will have been put atenormous disadvantage withconsequences for the NJ that will bedifficult to reverse.

What precisely would I like to see?

n All young people shouldexperience a program of study(K-12) in Technology Education.

n Teachers in turn should beconfident, competent and certifiedin the teaching of TechnologyEducation.

And in the longer term:

I wish to see a society within tenyears where technological literacy haspermeated the entirety of education (asit will the rest of society) so that it is nolonger a talking point but taken forgranted – much like electricity has cometo be.

These are substantial objectives. Toachieve them will require single-mindedvision, commitment and stamina fromgovernment as well as educationalunions and associations. Benign neglect,one-off short-term initiatives and over-reliance on the market are likely to fail.

This brings me to how theseobjectives can best be achieved:

First, they will happen only ifgovernment firmly commits towardsTechnology Education as one of a verysmall number of strategic initiatives.

Second, we do not see any “quickfix” big idea or program that will achievethese objectives. It is emphatically notthat simple. I envisage a coherentlymanaged set of initiatives that ifprogressed in parallel will achieve thedesired long-term objectives.

Sincerely,

Mark Wallace

3 Oil City Road -Sussex, NJ – 07461

973 -875-5927 - [email protected]

Innovative Technology Educator Award

Personal Information and Question ResponseTo apply for the Innovative Technology Educator Award,complete and send this form with other required materialspostmarked no later than January 31, 2003 to:

Innovative Technology Educatorc/o TEANJP.O. Box 718Fair Lawn, NJ 07410

Personal InformationPlease type or print clearly

Full Name

School

Current Position

Home Address

Home Phone

Work Address

Work Phone

Preferred Email

Social Security #

Question ResponsePlease respond to the following on one separate sheet of paper:Describe why technological literacy is important for all studentsto achieve. (250 words or less)

Signature & ReleaseBy signing below I agree to all the specified terms and condi-tions pertaining to the Martinson Family Foundation InnovativeTechnology Educator Award. I have read the Martinson FamilyFoundation Innovative Technology Educator Award Overviewand Information sheet and I agree to the terms of the “RecipientPledge.” I have personally created all materials that I amsubmitting with this application and knowingly release therights of these materials to TEANJ for use in publications andfor any and all other professional purposes. All informationsubmitted in this application is true and accurate. If selected toreceive this award, I understand that I am responsible to reportany income based on this award to all appropriate federal andstate authorities.

Signature

Date

Sponsored by The Martinson Family FoundationA $10,000 Cash Award for Technology Teachers

Overview and InformationThe Innovative Technology Educator Award will honor five members of theTechnology Educators Association of New Jersey for outstanding dedication andinnovation in the field of Technology Education. This award, sponsored by theMartinson Family Foundation, recognizes extraordinary contributions andperformance by educators with an unrestricted cash award of $10,000 to eachhonoree.

ObjectivesThis program has been created to:1. Recognize educators who have demonstrated outstanding contributions and

performance in the field of Technology Education.2. Advance professional activity in the field of Technology Education.

BenefitsPotential benefits of this program are:1. Increased recognition for the area of Technology Education and the

education profession.2. Opportunities for recognition of individual educators associated with the

field of Technology Education.3. The creation of a compendium of activities and curricula collected through

the application process.

EligibilityTo be eligible for consideration for the award, a technology educator must:1. Demonstrate leadership and innovative practice in the area of Technology

Education.2. Have been a paid professional member of TEANJ for at least the two full

school years prior to the date of application.3. Be employed as a teacher or subject area supervisor, at the time of

application, in a position related to Technology Education grades K-12.

Recipient PledgeUpon acceptance of the award, the recipient agrees if requested by the sponsor to:1. Serve on the award selection committee at least once within three years

following the receipt of the award.2. Deliver a presentation at the TEANJ Annual Conference regarding their

described practice within two years following the receipt of the award.3. Deliver a presentation at one professional conference other than the TEANJ

Annual Conference within two years following the receipt of the award.4. Represent the field of Technology Education through interviews and limited

speaking engagements relative to the award for a period of one year.

ApplicationTo be considered for the 2003 awards selection process, submit the followingmaterials postmarked no later than January 31, 2003 to: Innovative TechnologyEducator, c/o TEANJ, P.O. Box 718, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410:1. Personal information form and question response.2. A copy of your up-to-date resume and/or vitae.3. A copy of your New Jersey teaching license.4. One letter of recommendation from a district or school level administrator.5. One classroom activity or instructional plan that you have created (subject

supervisors may include one sample curriculum outline).

All applications received will be held for consideration for a period of three years.However, you may choose to update your application at any time. Include onlythe materials requested above and please do not bind materials.

SelectionA selection committee consisting of at least five individuals representative of thefield of Technology Education in New Jersey reviews all applications anddetermines honorees. Criteria for selection is based upon question response,evidence of experience and leadership in the field of Technology Education, andquality of self-created materials. Finalists may be contacted to arrange for a sitevisit prior to the final selection of awardees. Finalists may also be asked toprovide additional information and materials. All decisions made by the selectioncommittee are final. The awards will be presented at the TEANJ Awards Banquetto be held in the spring of 2003.

2002-2003 TSACalendar

Date: MonthlyEvent: State Officers

MeetingPlace: College of NJ

Date: January 27, 2003Event: Middle School

ConferencePlace: Howell Middle

School North

Date: February 1, 2003Event: Deadline for

Chapter AffiliationPlace: College of NJ

Date: March 27, 2003Event: State ConferencePlace: College of NJ

Date: June 25-29, 2003Event: National TSA

ConferencePlace: Orlando, Florida

For more information on TSA, please visitour new home page at www.tcnj.edu/~tsaor national TSA at www.tsaweb.orgOr contact:Henry Harms, State AdvisorThe College of NJ103 Armstrong HallEwing, NJ 08628-0718(W) 609/771-3339 or(H) 609/882-3302or EMAIL: [email protected]

Middle SchoolPlan now to attend our next middleschool conference which will be held atHowell on January 27, 2003. Contactthe state TSA office to receive acomplimentary Middle School ActivitiesGuide and the Chapter Program Kit thatincludes everything you need to start anew TSA chapter.

Chapter AffiliationState and National TSA dues willremain the same for 2002-2003.However, the affiliation process hasbeen simplified. Schools thataffiliated during the 2001-2002 schoolyear will automatically receive the newaffiliation package. All original formsand state and national dues should be sent

to the National TSA office. Forward acopy to the State TSA office forimmediate confirmation and stateaffiliation. Contact Alison Goeke, TSAAssistant at 609/771-3244 [email protected] if you havequestions.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTn The College of NJ ProfessionalDevelopment Workshop Schedule:Department of Technological StudiesJanuary 22, 2003-Desktop PublishingLori Lozinski, Graphic Design Artist, TIESMagazine, TCNJ, Ken Maskell, Editor, TIESMagazine, TCNJ, Ellen Farr, Adjunct Professor,Educational Technology, TCNJThese professionals will share theirexperiences with dual purpose pagedesign (print and the web), in-depthlooks at importing graphics, typefaceconsiderations, and the selection ofdesktop publishing software. You will seethe advantages and disadvantages ofdesktop publishing program versus wordprocessing. Discover how to presentdesktop publishing (and otherapplications) as contextual learningFebruary 12, 2003 - Children Designing& EngineeringDr. Patricia Hutchinson, Director, Center forDesign and TechnologyTwelve K-5 contextual learning unitsthat integrate technology, math andscience have been produced incollaboration with NJ businessesthrough the ChildrenDesigning &Engineering project at our Center forDesign and Technology Review the newinstructional packages, including lessonplans, videos, and CDROMS, andsample some of the standards-coordinated activities.March 5, 2003-Junior Student DesignChallenge-Especially for StudentsApril 9, 2003-Exploring Design andEngineering (ED & E)-Register Online at www.tcnj.edu/~teched.Just click on “Workshops” then go to“Registration.”

n NJ Tech Council ProgramsTEANJ members can attend NJ TechCouncil Programs at the student rate.Visit http://www.njtc.org/ for moreinformation.

TechnologyEducation programsNew Jersey Colleges:

KEANUNIVERSITY

1000 Morris AvenueUnion, New Jersey 07083(908) 527-2000

THE COLLEGE OFNEW JERSEY2000 Pennington Rd.Ewing, NJ, 08628-0718(609) 771-1855

COMPETITIONSn Creative Design Challenge:BOTSKETBALLSponsored by Panasonic IndustrialCompany in cooperation with the NewJersey Institute of Technology and theLiberty Science Center, the CreativeDesign Challenge is a competition forNew Jersey High School students ingrades 9-12. It offers scholarship money,prizes, fun and learning. Each yearPanasonic announces a new and excitingchallenge for the students to conquer.Registration takes place in the fall forthe following year’s challenge, whichoccurs in late March or early April. Visithttp://www.panasonic.com/industr ial/creativedesign/ for more information.n New Jersey Institute of TechnologyMEDBOTIC COMPETITIONThis competition will feature teams ofhigh schools students who will eachbuild a Lego Midstorm robotics project,which will be judged at the 29th North-east Bioengineering Conference onMarch 22, 2003 at NJIT.There will be three prizes. First prize willbe $500 for the winning team. Secondprize will be $300 for the team and thirdprize will be $100 for the team. For moreinformation, go to the webpage athttp://nebc2003.njit.edu/competition.htmlor call Dr. S. Reisman at (973) 596-3527.

17th AnnualTechnology

Conference & ExpoEast Brunswick Hilton

May 8-9, 2003Look for more details on the website.

Look for informationabout the 2003TEANJ Golf Outing infuture issues of theINTERFACE.

TEANJ WANTS YOU!WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS,ARTISTS: The INTERFACE is lookingfor submissions of articles, photos andartwork. Feature something yourdistrict is doing in TechnologyEducation. Write an article on any topicthat would be of interest to ourmembership. Submit ideas orcompleted work to the editor, JoanneReddan via email:reddanjo@cedargrove,k12.nj.us.

A NUMBER OF AVAILABLETECHNOLOGY EDUCATIONTEACHING POSITIONS AREPOSTED ON OUR WEBSITE at:http://www.teanj.org/jobsboard/Jobs/index.htm

Technology and Plantsby Harry T. RomanPSE&G Company

Do you know where the word“digitalis” comes from? It’s a heartmedication, derived from the purplefoxglove plant (digitalis purpurea), socommon in our summer flower gardens.The ancients used to treat a weakheartbeat in older patients with a teamade from the dried leaves of the plant.Then, they called it foxglove tea. I thinkit’s pretty neat how that all derives downthrough the centuries to us, isn’t it?!

Taxol, the powerful anti-cancer drugthat can be used against a wide range ofcancers derives from the family of toughevergreen plants (taxus brevifolia)commonly know as yews. It’s alsocontained within the commonornamental yew bush found around mosthomes, taxus brevifolia.

Today over 40% of the drugs in usederive from plants, and drug companiesroutinely send their scientists and fieldspecialists into the rain forests and junglearound the world to learn firsthand frommedicine men and shamans about plantdrug cures used for centuries by localtribes. The plant world holds muchpromise.

My wife uses a clothes detergent andother lotions and medications derivedfrom a common succulent (cactus) varietyof plant. Thomas Edison, the world’sgreatest inventor also experimentedenthusiastically with plants. So if plantsare this important, why aren’t technologyeducation students studying them?

The first thing to do is of course tryand identify the major uses of plantstoday, giving the students a feel for thebroad range of plant derived applications.Here the students can research theInternet, books, and perhaps contactlocal sources of information like colleges,agricultural extension services,greenhouse growers, and farmingorganizations.

Don’t forget your local pharmacist.These knowledgeable folks study thepharmacological history of plant use andhave an incredible wealth of informationabout how plants have been used to curecommon ailments. With the growing

page 8

interest in natural medicines for ailmentprevention and cures, your localbookstores will likely have a section onplants and herbal medicines, as do storesthat specialize in selling herbal products.

The key here is not only how theplants are used to cure an ailment, butwhat is the technology that is used toseparate the curative substances withinthe plant from the stems, branches,leaves and bark of the plant. What we aretalking about is processing technology;and here a discussion withpharmaceutical companies may be thebest way to understand how it all works.

Growing and processing plantmaterials is a combination of biology,horticulture, chemical engineering,industrial engineering, and perhaps evenmechanical engineering.

How will the plants be grown-withina greenhouse or in the wild /outdoors?How will the plants be harvested? Willthey be pre-processed prior to deliveryto the pharmaceutical company? Sooneror later, the raw plants must be processedvia such methods as cutting, chopping,grinding, or mashing to extract the juicesthat contain the medicinal components.What are some of the traditionaltechniques for processing the plants?How do these techniques differ withdifferent kinds of plants? Often the waya company processes a plant is uniqueinformation that can be used to obtain apatent or proprietary position within theindustry.

All this suggests that perhaps yourstudents might learn a great deal fromvisiting a pharmaceutical company, aprocessing facility, or perhaps even a localfarm where foodstuffs or medicinal plantsare grown. Your students could trygrowing some simple plants andobserving the various steps to how theplants once grown are prepared for useor processing.

Thomas Edison’s work with growingplants holds some interesting lessons.Have the students dig into his work. Andalso, during World Ward II, the Alliedforces learned to make synthetic rubbersince the Japanese had captured theislands where natural rubber was grownand processed. Surely there are lessonshere about how plant technology hasinfluenced our lifestyles.

Invite pharmacists, horticulturists,and chemical engineers into theclassroom to discuss how plants are

converted into drugs, and other usefulproducts. Many women’s shampoos,lotions, creams, facial treatments, soaps,and skin emollients contain herbalcompounds. Why not invite folks fromthe beauty care and cosmetics industriesin to discuss how such compounds aregathered and made into products. Thestudents can compare how plants havebeen used in the past versus the present.What plants were used say during ancienttimes; or during the AmericanRevolution; or by their grandparents?

Speaking of the AmericanRevolution,…. when the colonistsoriginally settled this country, imagine allthe new plants they must have found.How did they use this knowledge to helpthem survive in a wilderness? ThomasJefferson, like Benjamin Franklin, was asuperb inventor who developed manyplant growing and processingtechniques. Have your technologyeducation students study the work ofthis incredibly talented man.

An excellent example of using plantsis all around your classroom-paper. Thisubiquitous product comes in a hugevariety of shapes, sizes and colors , butit all comes from trees. This industry hasover the years changed dramatically inthe process it uses to change wood intopaper. Older processes were inefficientand harmful to the environment, andwere superceded by better ones. Thereis a rich history here for the students toexplore.

What about George WashingtonCarver and the hundreds of products heinvented from peanuts? This is truly awonderful story about how necessitybecame the mother of invention. Take alook at all the ways peanuts can be used.It is incredible.

Every time you walk among plantsor tend your garden, you are surroundedby an incredible array of potentialtechnological applications. We tend notto notice the technology because it isremoved from our everyday lives, but itis there and worth exploring. Give yourstudents a real treat and challenge themwith an understanding of the wonderfulworld of plants, and the technologiesinvolved. Grow their interest!

Enjoy.

Award NominationsExcellence Awards 2002-03

Each year the Technology Educators Association of New Jersey recognizes outstandingprograms, teachers and administrators in the field of Technology Education. If you knowsomeone who you feel is an outstanding teacher, runs an outstanding program, or is anoutstanding supervisor/administrator please fill out the nomination form below. Thewinner in each category will be honored at our annual state conference next year and willalso be our association’s choice to receive international recognition at the InternationalTechnology Education Association award ceremony. Outstanding people in the field ofTechnology Education should be recognized and this is your chance to do that.

Please fill in as much of the below information as possible.The correct address with zip code is critical.

Nominee:Name___________________________ Position_______________________________

School and Address _____________________________________________________

School Phone _________________ Fax___________ Email __________________

Nominated By:Name___________________________ Position_____________________________

School Phone _____________ Home Phone ______________ Email ____________

Nomination For:Award

Program ExcellenceTeacher ExcellenceSupervisor/Administrator Excellence

LevelElementaryMiddle SchoolHigh School

Please return this form by January 15, 2002 to:Steve Megna, TEANJ Awards ChairGlen Meadow SchoolP.O. Box 516 Sammis RoadVernon, NJ 07462

then it's forgotten," Lacey said. "This isnot just for a grade. This going to behanded off as an actual design that couldbe used by the town. This is a greatexperience."

Jack Rizzo, who teaches the computer-aided design classes, agrees.

"They are getting real-life experiencesand applying what they are learning inthe classroom," Rizzo said. "Showingkids the real-world applications is thebest thing you can do for them."

Depending on how well Town Hallworks with Rizzo and his students, thehigh school could permanently offer acourse that works hand in hand withtown engineers next year, Rizzo said. "Ifthis works out, it might be expanded toassist Morris Plains and MorrisTownship," he said.

David Janosz, executive director of theTechnology Education Association ofNew Jersey, says Morristown High is oneof two dozen or so high schools workingwith engineers and other professionalsat town halls.

"It is not very common, and it issomething we'd like to so more often --kids working on real-world situations andgetting a chance to apply math andscience," Janosz said.

Councilman Tim Dougherty, whose 16-year-old son is in Rizzo's class, came upwith the idea last year, saying it couldultimately save Town Hall and taxpayerssome money. He talked to Rizzo aboutthe idea last spring at the high school.

Soon, Jeff Hartke, the town engineer,and Ralph Panei, assistant municipalengineer, met with Rizzo and handed theteacher a few small projects, includingone requiring a student to develop astreet map with road conditions.

Lacey, who lives in Morris Township,has been drafting for three years and hasthe same program at home that mostprofessional engineers use. The teen and

his computer-aided design classmatesrecently started on the Lake Roadassignment.

The town handed the students atopographical map and a list of factorsto consider -- the amount of wetlands,zoning requirements, the number ofrequired parking spaces and offices atthe new public works departmentbuilding, the size of the soccer field andskateboard park, and other aspects ofthe possible development, Rizzo said.

The project at the Lake Road propertyis not certain, but if Morristownredevelops a large section of town onSpeedwell Avenue north and east ofHeadquarters Plaza, the public worksdepartment located off Early Street andSpeedwell Avenue would have to berelocated.

Local officials, who have beengrappling with the need for a soccer fieldin town and recent requests by teenagersfor a place to skateboard, say theproperty off Lake Road might haveenough space to accommodateeveryone's needs.

If the redevelopment moves forward,ideas on how to use the Lake Road sitewill come in handy. Lacey and his peerswill have a couple of months to finishtheir work and create possible layoutsof the facilities on the property.

The drawings will be handed off toHartke's office and possibly to theengineering firm that will examine thesite for the town and do much of thesame work as the students, if that'snecessary.

Hartke noted, "Who knows? It is apretty ambitious project and the workmight be used. We might say, 'Wow, thislooks pretty good.' Our idea was initiallyto help the students apply what they arelearning, but they may end up helpingus."

-----

continued from page 1


Technology Education Teachers and Students Making News

In another part of the state, aclassroom activity of TEANJ memberVince Farinelli received attention fora design project. Mr. Farinellli got theidea of designing monuments andmemorials his class at ManalapanEnglishtown Middle School fromlistening to a special call-in programon NPR radio that encouraged peopleto share their ideas for a monumentor memorial for the WTC site. Hediscussed the possibility of using theevents of that horrific day as a designsituation with our schooladministration and school counselors.and discovered that four students inthe school that were directly affected,and that our community shared thegrief of eleven families in all.

-----The following article appeared in theNEWSTRANSCRIPT, a publication servingColts Neck, Englishtown, Farmingdale,Freehold, Howell, Manalapan, Marlboro. Itappears with permission of Greater MediaNewspapers.

Students’ design will cometo life as 9/11 memorialGround broken in Manalapan attownship arboretumBy Dave Benjamin; Staff WriterMANALAPAN — In a solemnceremony held in the townshiparboretum, ground was broken for a9/11 memorial that will honor 11former residents.

The memorial will include the WorldTrade Center ’s twin towersconstructed of blue granite and willstand 7 feet in height. A wall ofpolished black granite will join thetowers and be engraved with thenames of 10 residents who died at thatlocation in New York: Daniel T. Afflitto,Louis F. Aversano Jr., Steven H. Berger,Dominick E. Calia, James V. DeBlase,Salvatore A. Fiumefreddo, Salvatore

Gitto, Christopher S. Gray, ThomasMcCann and Joseph B. Plumitallo.A pentagon-shaped fountain will beplaced adjacent to the monument, anda granite boulder with a plaque will honorthe people who died on United AirlinesFlight 93 in Pennsylvania. The name ofPatrick “Joe” Driscoll, a 35-year residentof the community who had moved outof Manalapan in early September, will beinscribed on the plaque.

The Rev. John P. Bambrick of St. ThomasMore Catholic Church spoke at thegroundbreaking ceremony.

“Margaret Mead once said, ‘One of theoldest human needs is having someoneto wonder where you are when you don’tcome home at night.’” he said. “On Sept.11, 2001, all of Manalapan wondered whythese 11 men did not come home thatnight. The days following would revealthe fullness of the darkness envelopingthat day and the darkest of nights.”

Bambrick said the community cametogether to lend support for each otherand for the nation.

“The ground that is being broken, 14months later, is a continuation of oursupport for patriotism, our love for oneanother and the need to answer thequestions of our own wondering so thatwe may never forget and alwaysremember the sacrifices these 11 menunknowingly made that beautifulSeptember day. Their heroism made thatday beautiful, and their memory makesthis day beautiful.

“This endeavor started as all worthythings do, as a ‘mitzvah,’ a good deed,”he said.

Shortly after 9/11, the reverend said,he received a phone call from TownshipCommitteewoman Mary Cozzolino,asking him to ask the families what couldbe done.

“From a generous heart, from amitzvah, came the idea of a publicmemorial, a place to go to remember, to

continued from page 10


Technology Education Teachers and Students Making News

pray and to honor their loved ones,”Bambrick said. “This is not a project, buta good deed from generous hearts.”

A committee was established andstudents from the ManalapanEnglishtown Middle School and fromManalapan High School began workingon potential designs for a memorial.“The Township Committee cleared theway for the site, and the families chosea design and added their own touches,”Bambrick said. “The PBA created theirown mitzvah by coming forward to raisethe funds, and the township residentscame forward to form a fund-raisingcommittee. The people of Manalapangave donations large and small.”

Bambrick said the memorial isexpected to be completed and dedicatedon Sept. 11, 2003.

“We do not wonder where these 11men are this night, for we know that theirmemory returns to our hearts and theirnames will rest here again in ourcommunity every night, forever,” he said.

Design ideas for the memorial camefrom students, and the design of KatieGeant, Nicole Palmer, Brian Fintz andJessica Taubman, four students inVincent Farinella’s eighth-gradetechnology education class, was chosen.

“School is not only test scores,”Farinella said. “They (the students) wereable to develop a real model that’s goingto be made in town. When does a kid getto do something in their lifetime andknow that this will be erected and be herefor lifetimes on end? I’m thrilled.”

Approximately $100,000, including apledge from the Township Committee of$25,000, has been collected for thememorial to date.

Speaking on behalf of the families,Angela Gitto said, “We felt a loss that dayand continue to feel a loss as each daypasses. Therefore, this memorial is notonly for our families; it is for all ofManalapan and anyone who visits it.

Thanking the children for their creativeideas in designing the monument, Gittosaid, “You made it very easy for us todecide what we needed to include in thememorial.”

continued from page 11Technology Education Teachers and Students Making News

A GOOD IDEA:Often we take the work that we doin our classroom for granted. Weforget how truly remarkablestudent achievement can be intechnology class activities.

Publicizing technology educationactivities at your school can bevery beneficial for all. Rememberto post information on yourdistrict newsletters or in localpapers.

Of course, use the INTERFACE toshowcase any ideas and activitiesyou are proud of!!!

TEANJ Executive Board Nominations

TEANJ is in search of nominations for the below executive boardpositions for the 2003-04 school year. We need willing and ablepeople to lead us through a crucial time for the profession, so pleasemake a nomination for either or both positions!

President Elect (three year term) __________________________

Secretary (two year term)_________________________________

Please return nominations by February 15, 2003 to:TEANJAttn: Phil PaspalasP.O. Box 718Fair Lawn, NJ 07410

Advancing Excellence in Technological Literacy: Student Assessment,Professional Development, and Program Standards

Blacksburg, Virginia – November 26, 2002 – The International Technology Education Association’s Technology for AllAmericans Project (ITEA-TfAAP) will release Advancing Excellence in Technological Literacy: Student Assessment, Professional Develop-ment, and Program Standards (AETL) at the 65th Annual ITEA Conference, March 13-15, 2003, in Nashville, TN. AETL is acompanion document to Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology (STL). STL identifies the knowledgeand abilities students must develop in their progression toward technological literacy in Grades K-12.

AETL includes three sets of standards: student assessment, professional development, and program. Studentassessment standards describe effective technological literacy assessment practices to be used by teachers. Professionaldevelopment standards delineate criteria to be used by teacher educators, administrators, and supervisors in assuringeffective and continuous in-service and pre-service education for teachers of technology. Program standards detail effective,comprehensive educational requirements to be used by teachers, administrators, and supervisors in promoting the develop-ment of technological literacy for all students. Together, AETL and STL identify a vision for developing a technologicallyliterate citizenry.For More Information:

For more information about ITEA’s Technology for All Americans Project, contact William E. Dugger, Jr., DTE, Director, Technol-ogy for All Americans Project, International Technology Education Association, 1997 South Main Street, Suite 701, Blacksburg, VA 24060(540) 953-0203/ fax: (540) 953-0014. E-mail: [email protected].

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO COMPLETE THIS FORM AND RETURN ASAP

For the Good of theProfession!

We are proud to announce thecreation of…The TEANJ Future Technology

Educator Scholarship, to be awarded for the first time atthe2003 TEANJ Conference & Expo.

This scholarship will be awarded annually to a highschool senior from New Jersey whose future plan is tobecome a Technology Educator. Our goal is to raise a $10,000.00 endowment toguarantee a perpetual $500.00 annual award. Here’s howyou can help:

Please send your tax-deductible contribution to:

TEANJ Scholarship FundC/O TEANJPO Box 718Fair Lawn, NJ 07410-0718*(Make checks payable to: TEANJ Scholarship Fund)

“There’s no time like the present to help others realize thesatisfaction and reward of being a Technology Education Teacher!”

ITEA OPPORTUNITYFOR ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

The International Technology EducationAssociation (ITEA) is seeking experiencedelementary teachers in grades 5 or 6 to field testone unit of Invention, Innovation, and Inquiry (I3).This project is intended to develop 10 standards-based units that promote technological literacyin grades 5 and 6. The testing and developmentof I3 will require a commitment from everyoneinvolved, but we hope to make it a fun andrewarding endeavor. The role of the field testteacher is essential to producing the best possiblematerials. We hope that you will join us indeveloping this innovative and excitingcurriculum. For more information please followthis link:

http://www.iteawww.org/I3FieldTestApplication.htmor contact Dan Engstrom using the address below.The material is designed for 5th and 6th gradeteachers and for an 8-10 day duration with 50minute periods. This is an excellent opportunityto be on the cutting edge of standards-basedcurriculum design for elementary school.

PlatinumJim NovotnyMarcie HorowitzPete LewisCommerce BankBill MeyerMark WallaceDave Janosz

GoldSteve MegnaAndy BarcelloJohn KarsnitzHenry HarmsJohn HutchinsonPat HutchinsonRobert WeberSherry RosesDeVry College

Scholarship FundDonor List

SilverPhil PaspalasDon KneplerGlenn SmithFrank SkowronskiNorbert Herold

The INTERFACE wouldlike to thank all of ouradvertisers and extend

wishes for a very happy andprosperous new year.

NEWS RELEASEFor Immediate ReleaseMuseum Furthers theVision of TechnologicalLiteracy

Contact:William E. Dugger, Jr., DTE; Director Technologyfor All Americans Project1997 South Main Street; Suite 701Blacksburg, VA 24060

Blacksburg, Virginia – November 26,2002 – The Museum of Science, Bostonis developing a program of informaltechnological education related to theInternational Technology EducationAssociation’s (ITEA) Standards forTechnological Literacy: Content for the Studyof Technology (STL). Using the definitionof technological literacy identified inSTL—the ability to use, manage,understand, and assess technology—asa foundation, museum associates arecreating an atmosphere that encouragesvisitors to witness technology, interactwith technology, and analyze issues

related to technology. The museum willdevelop and test standards-basedthematic exhibit and program areas thatintegrate “what,” “how,” and “why” typesof thinking.

While The Museum of Science,Boston model of informal technologylearning is in its infancy, it offers promisein advancing technological literacy forall by supporting Standards for TechnologicalLiteracy: Content for the Study of Technology.STL identifies the content necessary forstudents to attain technological literacy.Technological literacy includesknowledge and abilities as well as thecapacity to apply both knowledge andabilities to real-world situations. TheMuseum of Science, Boston recognizesthe important role it can play inimplementing technological literacy byproviding people of all ages withtechnology-related learningopportunities through informaleducation.

For more information about TheMuseum of Science, Boston visit the museum’sWeb Page at http://www.mos.org/home.html.

FROM THE EDITORDear TEANJ Members:

The editor and staff of Interfaceextends best wishes for the new yearto you and your families. We hope that2003 will be a year that brings muchhappiness to all. As we entered theholiday season there was muchuncertainty in the world we live in. But,each new year beginning seems to bringhopes that the future will be brighter forall of us in small way.

As we all take the time to reflect onthe past year, let us remember the hardwork and accomplishments of ourassociation membership during 2002.Let us also renew hopes for the comingyear. It seems we have many things stillto accomplish. But, let us take a momentas 2003 begins, to celebrate our efforts

in the classroom and outside. Taking amoment to recognize achievements canreplenish our spirits as we begin toundertake new ventures for the new year.

Wishing you peacein 2003,

Joanne ReddanInterface Editor

THE INTERFACE IS ALWAYSLOOKING FOR ITEMS OFINTEREST TO PUBLISH.

PLEASE SUBMIT ANYTECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

NEWS OR EVENTS OFINTEREST THAT ARE

HAPPENING THROUGHOUTTHE STATE TO THEINTERFACE EDITOR.

Date

Name

WorkName of School/Company

Last

Please Print

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone

Fax

E-mail

First

School District

Teacher

County

Position & Level

Membership TypeRegular Undergrad(Membership fees are pro-rated through the year)

May-Oct: regular $35, undergrad $9Nov-Dec : regular $26.25, undergrad $9Jan-Feb: regular $17.50, undergrad $6Mar-Apr: regular $8.75, undergrad $3

**Please note membership fees are includedin annual conference fees each year.

Make all checks payable to TEANJ.Detach and return with payment to:

SupervisorAdministratorProfessorUndergradOther

ElementaryMiddle SchoolHigh SchoolCollegeDistrict

Dr.Mr.Ms.

Home

Technology EducatorsAssociation of New Jersey

P.O. Box 718Fair Lawn, NJ 07410-0718

MembershipRegistration

pass this formalong to acolleague

teanj technology education teachers and tidbits … · page 2 teanj executive board 2002-03...

Documents