Weston Middle School

Massachusetts Grade 8

Technology/Engineering MCAS Review

 Weston, Massachusetts
Home | Site Map | Background | Materials, Tools and Machines | Engineering Design | Communications Technology |
Manufacturing Technology | Construction Technology | Transportation Technology | Bio-Related Technology | Links |
 

1. Materials, Tools, and Machines
Broad Concept: Appropriate materials, tools, and machines enable us to solve problems, invent, and construct.
 

1.1 Given a design task, identify appropriate materials (e.g., wood, paper, plastic, aggregates, ceramics, metals, solvents, adhesives) based on specific properties and characteristics (e.g., weight, strength, hardness, and flexibility).

1.2 Identify and explain appropriate measuring tools, hand tools, and power tools used to hold, lift, carry, fasten, and separate, and explain their safe and proper use.

1.3 Identify and explain the safe and proper use of measuring tools, hand tools, and machines (e.g., band saw, drill press, sanders, hammer, screwdriver, pliers, tape measure, screws, nails, and other mechanical fasteners) needed to construct a prototype of an engineering design.

 

MCAS TEST ITEMS(4):

Medieval engineers and masons were masters of the properties of the materials they worked with, enabling them to solve daunting design problems.

Vasari tells the story of how Pope Boniface VIII sent a messenger to Giotto with a request for samples of his work. Giotto dipped his brush in red and with one continuous stroke painted a perfect circle. He then assured the messenger that the worth of this sample would be recognized. When the pope saw it, he "instantly perceived that Giotto surpassed all other painters of his time."

Revised August 2006 by Jonathan Dietz, dietzj@mail.weston.org