Industrial Technology is offered to seventh and eighth grade students. In seventh grade students begin the quarter learning about shop safety and the tools used in the wood shop. As a beginning project, students using only hand tools, make their initials. For the second and third projects, students choose from a variety of projects appropriate to their skill level. Eighth grade students begin the quarter by studying manufacturing, construction, and communication. Eighth grade students use power equipment for all projects and are instructed on the safe and proper use of each machine. The first project for the students is an Oak clock. For the second project students have an option of choosing one of the projects I have or designing and constructing a project of their choice utilizing any of the tools in the workshop.
When you hear the rumble of a Harley rolling up to MacArthur early each morning you’ll know it’s me; André Poisson. I have been teaching at MacArthur for four years. I also coach 8th grade boys basketball and track in the spring. I hold a Bachelors Degree in Photography and Fine Art from Southern Illinois University and a Masters Degree in Special Education From Northern Illinois University.
I teach 6th & 7th grade electives all four quarters. First quarter is Creative Arts. In this elective students make seasonal crafts. In the second quarter 6th grade is offered creative arts again and it is still undecided on what will be taught to the 7th grade. Third and forth quarters I again offer the same class to both the 6th and 7th graders. Third quarter Photography is the class that I offer. In this class the basics of photography are introduced, such as; framing, lines, and focal points. In the second half of the class students mostly work with Photoshop on the computer. In this section of the course students learn how to; cut and paste, use layers, and add colors to their photos. Forth quarter is the Need for Speed elective. Students design, build, and race a CO2 dragster. They first study aerodynamics, friction, drag, and speed. Taking this information they then design how their dragster will look. The next part of the class, students make the car that they have designed out of Balsa wood. They paint it with whatever design that they want. The last part of the class, students vote for the best cars and then they race them.
Woodworking club is available to all grades and woodworking levels. Beginning students will learn the basics of the woodshop and older students will be able to try harder projects than in class. The students will only be charged for the wood that they use. Calculating board-foot of the project they choose to do and then multiplying the answer to how much the type of wood costs per board-foot. Then they will add an additional 30% for waste. This club will help the students develop their abilities in the woodshop, math, and creativity. It also gives students another way to express themselves, through woodworking. This club gives the opportunity for students to try something that they are unable to do during the school day. Dates for the club meetings are available on the calendar link.