The Citizen, 1995-11-22, Page 17amegnillillaftftemo
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THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1995. PAGE 17.
The faces of education
Tech 21 marks one year success
Hands-on learning
The intricacies of an electric motor are carefully studied by John Maerz, Laura Bank, centre
and Cass Boyd of Grey Central Public School, as they take part in Tech 21 classes at
Central Huron Secondary School.
By Janice Becker
A year after the initiation of the
Technology 21 program at Central
Huron Secondary School, the
teachers are still highly motivated,
the students are obviously enthusi-
astic and communities are gaining
young people who have been
offered the opportunity to experi-
ence a wide range of occupations.
As one enters the Tech 21 centre,
the first site is a large number of
Grade 7 and 8 students working rel-
atively quietly, at various worksta-
tions ranging from desktop
publishing to woodworking and
pneumatics.
The modules (technology work-
stations) are not gender specific.
Boys enthusiastically spend the day
in the kitchen, alongside the girls,
constructing a pizza or baking
muffins (they get to eat them later)
while girls find the electric motor
station and electronics as interest-
ing as their male classmates do, say
both participants and teacher
Richard Maertens, who has been
involved from the inception of the
program
The philosophy of the centre;
independence, co-operative prob-
lem-solving and teamwork, is
quickly evident as pupils, in groups
of two, four or six, work through
the challenges of each module.
Grade 7 and 8 students from each
elementary school in the county,
will visit Tech 21 six times during
the year.
With a choice of 16 modules, the
students must successfully com-
plete 12 credits in a combination of
half day modules (one credit) or
full day modules (two credits). Two
credits must also be earned from
each of the four program areas, to
ensure a broad base of experience,
says Maertens.
The programs are: design, which
has interior design, CAD, pneumat-
ics and impact investigation mod-
ules; personal care covers child
care, fashion design, food and
nutrition; communications allows
students to study telecommunica-
tions, electricity/electronics, desk-
top presentation and multimedia
and manufacturing/control systems
delves into electric motors, plastics,
woodworking and robotics.
Because the programs are offered
to Grade 7 and 8, some of the mod-
guidelines and rules to follow to
create a safe, productive work envi-
ronment.
"The students are told (Tech 21
courses) are not just for fun. This is
first, a workplace, though they may
have fun doing the work," says
Maertens.
As well as creating a workplace
environment for the pupils, strict
procedures are followed to ensure
their safety as they work wi:h
equipment which can be dangerous
if used incorrectly.
When parents see the machinery
in the woodworking' station, they
shudder, says Maertens, but before
the student is allowed to enter that
room, a video detailing safety and
precise instruction for each piece of
equipment is viewed.
The prospective woodworkers
must then pass a licensing exam,
with a perfect score, before begin-
ning a project.
If not attained, the student must
watch the video again, as does any-
one observed breaking safety rules.
Along with Maertens, two teach-
ers, Harry Brooks and Maggie
Crane supervise the program and
co-op students from CHSS are
hired as assistants.
The program benefits the numer-
ous elementary students involved
by offering the opportunity to expe-
rience some future occupations
which may not be casually consid-
ered, provides hands-on work expe-
rience for both the elementary and
co-op students and allows boys and
girls to work as team members in
an environment which does not
inflict stereotypes.
Walking through the Tech 21
Centre may make mature visitors
wish they could return to school, to
experience the opportunities afford-
ed young people in Huron County
and hopefully encourage parents
with children in elementary school
to take an active interest in the
technology available in the schools.
HCBE briefs
L. Nolan resigns as trustee
Wingham trustee Liliane Nolan
resigned her post on the Huron
County Board of Education, effec-
tive as of the Nov. 6 meeting, to
assume the duties of West
Wawanosh Twp. clerk. The board
will advertise for persons interested
in filling the position.
*****
A review of the fiscal impact of
junior kindergarten on the taxpay-
ers of Huron County shows a credit
of $260,165.
Taking the cost of wages for
teachers, teachers assistants and
supplies and services into account,
the increased revenue generated by
the increased number of students in
the system, more than covers the
costs.
*****
Information made available to
trustees showed a breakdown of
taxes for a $100,000 home in sever-
al municipalities across the county,
Blyth ranked fourth in local share
at $680.77, after Wingham, Clinton
and Seaforth.
For each of the 26 municipalities,
the education share is $822.17 and
the county portion is $226.47. Only
the local share varies.
Other rankings included: East
Wawanosh, sixth, $551,42; Brus-
sels, 11th, $341.63; Morris, 15th,
$298.01; Grey, 16th, $293.36;
West Wawanosh, 17th, $279.02
and Hullett, 22nd, $256.82.
*****
With continuing concerns about
the air quality at Goderich District
Collegiate Institute, the Huron
County Board of Education enlisted
the assistance of Graham Pollett,
Medical Officer of Health and Rob
Alder, Epidemiologist at Middle-
sex-London Health Unit, to survey
the students and staff through use
of a health questionnaire.
The air quality at South Huron
District High School will be used
to compare factors because of the
similarities in the number of stu-
dents, the age of the building and
renovation history.
*****
In an effort to reduce the cost of
programs offered by the HCBE,
Superintendent Chuck Rowland has
requested the day school adult edu-
cation program be run on a cost
recovery basis.
At present the board supports the
program to a level from 48.6 per
cent to 70.1 per cent, depending on
the location.
It is the board's objection to
attain a level of support of 58.4 per-
cent across the board, which is at
the same level as regular day
school students.
*****
Students currently require 30
credits to graduate from OAC.
Across the county, the HCBE has
539 students who are taking cours-
es beyond the 32 credit level sug-
Continued on page 18
-HEALTH ON THE HILL-
A Review of activities at
SEAFORTH COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
EAST HURON LONG TERM CARE
Please note, there will be NO November 1995
meeting. This Committee will next meet Thursday,
February 22, 1996.
PHYSIOTHERAPY - Again, our Dept, is con-
ducting education in relation to YOUR BACK.
This will take place Nov. 27 - Dec. 1st. For more
information, please contact 527-1650 Ext. 231.
SEAFORTH PERINATAL INFORMATION
SESSION to be held at the Hospital Thurs.,
November 23, 1995 — 7:30 p.m. Topic: Birthing
Room Tour plus question and answer period. Dr.
Mark Woldnik & Clara Vanderlaan, Reg. N.
LIFE AFTER BABY 5 week series for new par-
ents sponsored by Public Health Unit continue to
meet each Thurs. a.m. 09:30 to 11:30 a.m. in
Conference Room 2.
RECREATION COMMITTEE NEWS
Upcoming Christmas Dinner & Dance for Staff,
Board, Clinic & Hospital Auxiliary Members at
Seaforth Legion Hall Saturday, December 16,
1995. Plan now to join in celebration of this festive
season.
• O.A.C. for six months ' limited Time Offer
'Non-members may apply for membership
Yew may borrow up to $1,500 interest free kir sus months to shop at any business or bourses, of
your choice in your communoy
Yes, you hiked if rigilr, i,a is ori interest hem loco just for slopping in your home loon. All you
need to do, .1 cone in nod talk with our loons personnel who Al quid4process your torn in an
eery, efficient wanner and yaill be ready to get the gifts you wonted for year bed ones
Thank you to of memben lot your support cod itenk you For stopping bay.
Non-mernben who would kiss to 1061 ad...rage d ihis offer, goe o o cot We'll be giod to help.
• PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE •