Technology Education Department

Updated January 2021

Welcome to the Technology Education department!  Technology is a dominant force in today’s society. Technological literacy is as essential to participation in modern society as is numeracy and the ability to read and write. A technologically literate person uses tools, materials, systems, and processes in an informed, ethical, and responsible way. Technology education helps young people prepare to live and work in a technological world.

The aim of the Technology Education program is to help students develop the technological literacy that they need to live and work effectively in a changing technological society. To achieve this, the curriculum provides a framework for students to learn how to design and make solutions to real-world problems.

To meet career challenges, students must be able to make independent decisions, solve problems, work independently and co-operatively with others, and become technically competent. Technology education helps students develop the types of learning patterns that are required in today’s changing workplace. The Technology Education department offers a wide variety of courses to accommodate the many interests and needs of Burnaby North students.

Click to download (.pdf) an introduction to our programs and samples of student work.

Grade 8

All grade 8 students at Burnaby North take ADST 8, which includes one term each of Technology Education, Home Economics, and Business Education, allowing them to learn a wide range of practical skills.

Technology Education 8 (required component of ADST 8)

Technology Education 8 provides students with fun hands-on opportunities to explore and apply technological concepts.  Students work in groups and individually to develop technical skills that have real world value. Our Tech labs at North are equipped with newer computers and a wide range of technical design software.

Activities will involve students in the use of computers, as well as hand and machine tools and shop safety.  Students begin with design, then work through to the completion of a product. Student learning activities may include: bottle rockets or gliders, a gravity car and race it, electronics skills game flasher and stand, and complete a wood design project of their choice.

Grades 9 to 12

For students in grades 9 to 12, Technology Education offers programs in the following specialized areas:

  • Automotive
  • Drafting
  • Electronics and Robotics
  • Woodwork

Automotive Program

Power Mechanics 9                                                               

  • Students gain experience with all hand tools and basic engine principals.
  • Students gain an understanding, through theory and hands-on practical work. Students will rebuild a small gas engine.
  • CO2 car dragster competition. Metal race cars.
  • Bicycle mechanics. All aspects of bicycle repair.

Power Mechanics 10 – AutoTechTwo students working on an engine.

  • Introduction to the AutoShop
  • Students gain experience working hands on in the AutoShop
  • Basic Automotive Maintenance

Metal Work 10-12 – Autobody                                     

  • Students will get an overview of all the skills and safety involved in the autobody industry.
  • Learn Metal Working Processes such as bead rolling, shaping shrinking and stretching sheet metal, and fabrication for custom car parts.
  • Learn how to MIG and ARC weld, and use a cutting torch.
  • Learn how to repair sheet metal, dents, and use autobody fillers.
  • Core projects include: panel, fenders, doors, rust repair, polishing clear coat working on cars, and restoration of old cars.
  • Learn how to restore a custom hot rod.
  • Grade 12 students learn how to prepare and paint cars with base coat clear coat.
  • VCC work place training with college credit.

Automotive Technology 11                                                                

  • Students are introduced to basic automotive systems including: engine fundamentals, cooling, charging, starting, and servicing.
  • Students will learn to operate the hoist, brake lathe, tire machine, wheel balancer, test equipment, and computer data system.
  • Students gain practical experience and basic skill development working with automobiles.
  • Hands on work with automotive repairs.
  • This course introduces students to a variety of automotive systems including: tune-up procedures, brake servicing, and engine performance and tune up.

Automotive Technology 12                                                                   

  • This course gives students an in-depth look at engine management systems, computer control, problem diagnosis, problem solving, repair, and service of modern automobiles.
  • Hands-on practical work with safety related supervised instruction is emphasized.

Automotive Technology 10/11/12 for Girls (NEW FOR 2022!)

NOTE:  This course is an option for girls interested in automotive technology.  They also have the option of selecting the regular automotive courses.

  • This course in designed for female students who wish to learn Automotive fundamentals.
  • Students are introduced to basic automotive systems including: engine fundamentals, cooling, charging, starting, and servicing.
  • Students will learn to operate the hoist, brake lathe, tire machine, wheel balancer, test equipment, and computer data system.
  • Students gain practical experience and basic skill development working with automobiles.
  • Hands on work with automotive repairs.
  • This course introduces students to a variety of automotive systems including: tune-up procedures, brake servicing, and engine performance and tune up.

Engine and Drive Train 12          

  • This course provides students with opportunities to develop abilities to safely use specialized tools and computerized equipment necessary to diagnose service and maintain the engine.
  • Students will disassemble and assemble a running V-8 engine.
  • As well as the automobile engine, students gain skills in repairing and servicing drive train mechanisms.

Drafting Program

Drafting 9                                                                                                Blueprints and a model of a house

  • Students will explore basic drafting that will demonstrate architectural, mechanical and computer aided design (CAD) and model construction.
  • Students will produce a sign on the CNC router, design and make t-shirts, with the t-shirt press
  • A great course for all students interested in engineering and interior design.

Drafting 10                                                                                              

  • This course covers basic drafting techniques including pictorial drawings, orthographic projection, dimensioning, and geometric construction projects.
  • The theoretical part of this course is incorporated in the drawings on a continuous basis.
  • All drawings are CAD generated.

Drafting 11                                                                 

  • This course provides students with opportunities to develop their abilities to apply drafting and design concepts through a practical, hands-on learning, environment and the extensive use of CAD based application programs.
  • Projects include: CNC router, 3D artifacts, CNC decals.

Drafting 12                                                   

  • Provides students with the opportunity to build on the concepts learned in Drafting 11.
  • There will be an opportunity to work on activities in an area that interests students. Professional standards and high quality are emphasized at all stages of project construction.

 Drafting 12: Engineering                                      

  • Students are introduced to mechanical engineering concepts. They will build onto the skills developed in Drafting 11 and 12.
  • Complex design and production of projects using the CNC Router.
  • Drawings will be produced by AutoCAD, and Envisioner 3D Software.
  • Evaluation of mechanical units and various manufacturing processes are examined.
  • This is an excellent introductory engineering course that former students have commented on favorably while working on post secondary studies.
  • Students will develop designs relating to architecture, study the standards and conventions required, use reference material to design for loads and ergonomics, and be informed of employment potential to this field.
  • Projects include: CNC router, model restaurant, and model buildings.

Electronics & Robotics Program

Electronics & Robotics 9                           

  • The course covers the basic components and constructions of robots, sensors and programing/logic of robots, (we will be using VEX robotics).
  • This course covers basic electronic concepts, including circuits, schematics, electronic test equipment and measurement.

Electronics & Robotics 10           

  • Robotics constructions and programing logic will be covered in more depth. The students’ knowledge will be tested by design challenges.
  • They will build electronic systems, power supplies and audio equipment.

Robotics 11                     

  • Will cover (and mimic) developments in the robotics community and how robotics can be applied in everyday life
  • Covers basic electronic concepts in both analog and digital circuits. Students will also get the chance to use Arduino – a programming device and software that allows students to control different aspects of circuits

 Robotics 12                     

  • Competition style of robotics with constant new challenges to explore further into the robotics world.
  • Students may choose a major project to explore throughout the course. This may include robot arms, Bluetooth RC cars, FPV drones, tesla coils, etc.

Woodwork Program

Woodwork 9                                                                                           

  • Students work together to create a variety of small projects such as; a passive phone amplifier, cutting board, pencil box, beach chair and/or folding table
  • Students will develop a basic knowledge of many facets of woodworking including design, joinery, machine safety, and finishing

Art Metal and Jewellery 9-12                                                              

  • Students will design their own projects using wood, metal and glass to create jewelry and other accessories such as stained glass windows, metal rings, and wood carvings.
  • Creative Wood and Metal history and design will be explored.
  • Students will develop a basic knowledge of many facets of woodworking including design, joinery, machine safety, and finishing.

 Woodwork 10   Carpentry & Joinery                                                

  • Students will build on the skills learned in Woodworking 9 or begin developing skills.
    • Several smaller projects will be constructed including; a picture frame, step stool, coat rack and/or table.
    • Or students may choose a major project. This may include a night stand, Adirondack chair, headboard and/or book case. The possibilities are endless!
  • Students will develop further knowledge of many aspects of woodworking including design, joinery, machine safety, and finishing.

Woodwork 11                                                            

  • Students will develop the ability to safely use a variety of hand and machine tools.
  • Students will learn how to produce a variety of different joinery and they will learn the appropriate applications for each one.
  • Students will work with the teacher to design and develop a project of their choice. Students in the past have made beds, night stands, desks, dressers, guitars, book cases, and dog houses. The possibilities are endless!

 Woodwork 12 & Woodwork 12 – Furniture & Cabinetry

  • Students will develop the ability to safely use a variety of hand and machine tools.
  • Students will learn how to produce a variety of different joinery and they will learn the appropriate applications for each one.
  • Students will learn about the history and design of furniture construction.
  • Students will design and construct a piece of furniture using appropriate joinery techniques.