The technology center at Rancho Buena Vista opened in Fall 1994.
It houses a 9th grade elective course, Core Tech I, a 10th grade elective course, Core
Tech II, and a Yearbook course. The lab is split in computer platforms with Power
MacIntosh and P.C., it is networked and cabled to the school's network. Networking allows
the center to be used by a wide variety of students.
The main function of the lab, however, is to house 4 periods of Core Tech I, which now
includes 20 modules of study. The modules of study were chosen to introduce students to
technologies currently being used in business and industry as well as to lead 9th graders
toward the career paths available at Rancho Buena Vista.
The modules of study are 15 hours in length. All modules include vocabulary, written
work, reading, testing and either a final project or technology based experiments. The
modules include computer hardware and software, and/or experiment or technical apparatus.
The modules' curriculum integrate the academic areas to the technology classes.
English is supported through reading, writing and vocabulary defining. Final projects
are written assignments that include the use of specific software programs. Science is
supported in several of the modules where scientific theory is applied to technology
experiments and projects. Mathematics is supported in the same way, by applying math
principles to industrial technologies. Music and Performing Arts are represented in
modules on animation, MIDI, radio broadcasting, and television and video production.
Social Studies curriculum is present in an environment-based bio-technology module as well
as our weather and meteorology station. Business curriculum is present in a computer
applications module and in desktop publishing. The director of the technology center, Mr. Nellis, is constantly updating and changing
and strives to represent the entire school experience at Rancho Buena Vista.
