The document provides an overview of the ActionLAB program, which consists of 22 instructional units covering various technology-related topics like transportation, manufacturing, and bio-related fields. Students will work through 2 units at a time and receive computer-based instruction. The document lists the unit topics available and has students select their top 5 preferences, with the system trying to assign those units. Detailed descriptions are provided for sample units on virtual architecture, video production, and structural engineering.

1. Student Orientation
Day 1

2. What is the ActionLAB Program?
The ActionLAB program is a
technology education program
designed to teach you how to
use and manage technology

3. How does the program operate?
 Twenty-two 10-day Integrated Instructional
Units (also called units or IIUs)
 2 students work together on a unit
 Instruction is delivered on the computer
 Each unit contains audio, video, text and
pictures
 Each unit has hands-on, internet and writing
activities

4. What areas does ActionLABs cover?
Transportation
Communications
Manufacturing
Production
Bio-related

5. Here are the IIUs
we will be exploring

6. IIU Preferences
 Use the supplied worksheet to list your
5 unit preferences
 The computer system will try and give
you as many of your choices as
possible.

7. Virtual Architecture
 Identify and appropriately select tools commonly
used by architects, designers and homeowners for
designing structures.
 Determine suitable replacements for a conventional
residential exterior and use a computer program to
apply a chosen modification.
 Rate and use systems of graphic communication
and identify how CAD software fosters a common
graphic language.
 Create an original 3-D living, bed or bathroom using
the database of objects.
 Apply a variety of components of architectural 3-D
modeling, visualization and navigational tools in a
problem solving experience.
 Identify and describe the preparation and
requirements for careers related to architecture and
interior design.

8. Video Production
 List and describe the fundamental objectives of video
production from historical to contemporary practices.
 Identify the major components of a video editing system
and demonstrate correct operation of the equipment.
 Provide rationale for pre-planning and scripting and use a
formal system of organization for video production.
 Write and develop a shooting script for a 15-minute
newscast.
 Produce and edit a 5-minute newscast from a script.
 Script, produce and edit a five minute human interest
story

9. Structural Engineering
 Identify and strength test different types of
beams and panels used in structures
 Appropriately use hand-held cutting tools and
safely operate a testing device
 Identify and classify the portion of a
structure’s frame under tension, torsion,
shear, and compression
 Demonstrate, predict, and evaluate the
behavior of loaded structural systems
 Identify, describe, and clarify the major
stresses and causes of structural failure on
spanning structures
 Describe preparation and requirements for
careers related to building structures

10. Robotics Technology
 Identify the characteristics of a variety of types and
sizes of robots
 Describe how artificial intelligence is applied to
robotic systems
 Identify, sketch and label all major parts of an
industrial robot
 Describe the basic components that allow an
operator to program robots
 Compare and contrast robotic applications in
medicine, industrial, and entertainment applications
 Set up and program an interactive robotics station

11. Research and Development
 Identify and define specifications and tolerances
and their required use in vehicle design.
 Produce a prototype following the
design/development rules
 Apply, appropriately use, and enforce safety
procedures when using tools and machines
 Define, demonstrate and use in application the laws
of aerodynamics and mass in order to maximize
vehicle performance.
 Design safety restraint and airbag systems and
destructively test for effectiveness.
 Use ‘crush zone’ engineering in a vehicular design
program and test for integrity.

12. Pneumatics
 Demonstrate and describe pneumatics principles of
operation
 Perform mathematical computations in regard to
pressure and volume
 Perform pneumatic circuit construction activities using a
variety of pneumatic components
 Manipulate the variables of pressure, flow and volume
and analyze results
 Describe a variety of pneumatic applications in industrial
environments
 Develop a fluid power system and describe it visually
using graphic symbols and schematics.

13. Mechanisms
 Demonstrate a functional open-loop mechanical
system and create a mechanical system to produce a
given result.
 Use mathematical operations to calculate mechanical
advantage
 Demonstrate how gear ratio effects RPM,
conceptualize and apply other work and power
formulas.
 Improve the efficiency of mechanical devices and
mechanisms by manipulating gear ratios to control
speed and RPM rates
 Utilize levers, pulleys and friction reduction devices to
increase efficiency and decrease a given work load.
 Describe how mechanical systems impact technology
and society and increasing humankind’s ability to
manipulate materials and manufacturing process.

14. Materials Processing
 Apply, appropriately use, and enforce safety
procedures when using tools and machines
 Determine the most suitable tool for each process in
the development of project work and problem solutions
 Identify the characteristics and select the most
appropriate materials for use in a variety of projects
 Describe the processes involved in manufacturing a
variety of products
 Apply technical vocabulary relating to a variety
material processing operations
 Design and complete the manufacture of a multi-
process and multi-material product

15. Laser Technology
 Identify laser applications for industrial and communications
operations, as well as daily life.
 Use appropriate safety measures when using a laser in
experimental practice.
 Describe the characteristics of sound transmission using
laser technology.
 Describe the elements of physical properties of light and how
these factors impact laser systems.
 Describe how fiber optics are used in common and
technological application.
 Develop and apply the physical properties of lenses in laser
application.

16. Information Technology
 Identify and describe the components of modern information
processing systems in contrast to the past
 Design and produce a document using word processing
software
 Demonstrate the use of spreadsheet software including
programming features
 Develop a multimedia presentation demonstrating a variety
of aspects of movement and animation
 Use of various research tools to complete a project
 Develop a personal Web page with multiple features

17. Health and Fitness
 Identify the 7 major body systems
 Describe the function, impact and importance of weight
to height ratio
 Operate biomedical equipment and make predictions
relative to exercise
 Identify, codify and describe measures to prevent to
sport injuries and produce an exercise warm-up
program
 Identify, describe, predict and rectify sleep disorders
 Describe a system of 5 health related components of
fitness and learn use them in their daily activities

18. Forensic Science
 Explore how forensic science is used in criminal
investigations
 Apply the principles of forensic science to a
hypothetical crime
 Gain an understanding of fingerprint technology
 Use applied mathematics to solve a forensic
investigation
 Gain an understanding of the tools and equipment
used in forensic investigation
 Determine through experimentation the forensic
properties of fabrics and fibers
 Explore the careers associated with forensic
science

19. Flight Technology
 Discuss the history and future of rocketry and flight
systems
 Identify and describe the forces that affect rocket flight
 Identify and describe basic laws and effects of
aerodynamics
 Identify and describe factors influencing rocket stability
 Assemble and safely launch a rocket.
 Calculate the angle of trajectory, altitude and azimuth of
a rocket

20. Energy and Power
 Identify and characterize the six main forms of energy
 Perform the conversion of different forms of energy into
power
 List and describe the careers relating to energy and power
 Identify and appropriately tools need to test, disassemble,
measure, and reassemble a small engine
 Describe the relationship of the main systems to the
components of a small internal combustion engine
 Determine the efficacy of alternative energy sources

21. Electricity
 Develop and describe electrical systems and their
components
 Describe the elements and concerns of electrical safety and
practices
 Use and apply electronic graphical symbols used in electrical
schematics
 Demonstrate a working knowledge of the proper use of an
electrical multi-meter
 Determine the interrelationship of electricity and magnetism
 Use Ohm's Law to calculate formulas pertaining to electrical
circuits

22. Environment and Ecology
 Explore and identify the factors that are necessary to
effectively grow plant matter
 Classify the types and uses energy systems
 Determine the impact of polluted water and develop a
protocol for clean water availability
 Construct a solar green house using collaborative work
strategies
 Apply media research skills to discover and categorize career
paths related to environment and ecology
 Identify and list benefits of recycling and how recycling
reduces energy usage, landfill impact, and pollution for the
local and global community.

23. Digital Music
 Determine the relationship of computer programming
theory and principles to digital music production
 Develop and apply fundamental musical structure and
systematically apply these principles to digital and
analog music
 Distinguish among different forms of digital music and
identify equipment used in digital music production
 Explore the history of musical instruments and audio
recording to determine the sources for digital music
 Appropriately use digital music terminology in the
application of a variety of computer applications
 Arrange and produce a digital music composition

24. Computer Graphics
 Describe how communications technology
developed for computer graphics
 Describe how the parts of a computer system are
used to create computer graphics
 Describe the design process as it relates to creating
computer graphics
 Describe different uses of computer graphics within
communications systems
 Complete an assigned computer graphic job using
the design process
 Evaluate the effectiveness of examples of computer
graphics

25. Computer Numerical Control
 Explore and identify the components of computer
numerical control systems and their application in
industry
 Use the Cartesian Coordinate and Polar Coordinate
measuring systems in application
 Write an original computer numerical control program to
manufacture a part
 Prepare a CNC machine for a manufacturing operation
 Recognize the use of, and work with the principles of
reverse engineering
 Discriminate and contrast and compare CAD and CAM
and their interrelationship

26. Computer Aided Drafting
 Define the use of CAD as a communication process
 Demonstrate the use of computer skills in the use of a
CAD software program
 Create a variety of drawings using a CAD software
program
 Identify the uses of CAD within manufacturing,
production and construction technologies
 Apply algebraic and geometric math skills to CAD
drawings
 Describe the design process for architectural and
mechanical drawing

27. Audio Communications
 Define the types of audio communications, the components of
recording and radio systems, and the history of radio and early radio
pioneers
 Describe and define the organization and operation of a radio station,
spot advertising, and radio/recording functions, and personnel
 Identify and distinguish among AM, FM, analog, and digital signals
and the scientific principles that explain the workings of radio
 Create and develop a series of radio "copy" such as, writing news,
weather, commercials, and weather information
 Select, develop, and use an appropriate radio format and operate the
equipment necessary to produce a show in that format
 Write, develop, plan, produce, and record a pre-recorded a demo tape

28. Alternative Energy
 Gain an understanding of the current use of
energy and the resources now being expended
 Contrast and compare the environmental effects
of non-renewable and renewable energy sources
 Use mathematics in application to determine the
efficiency of wind powered energy sources
 Explore the science and chemistry of hydrogen
fuel cell powered vehicles
 Determine through experimentation the
efficiency of photo-voltaic energy sources
 Explore the careers associated with alternative
energy industries