The Massachusetts State Frameworks for grade 3-5 are listed below:

1. Materials and Tools
Broad Concept: Appropriate materials, tools, and machines extend our ability to solve  problems and invent.

1.1 - Identify materials used to accomplish a design task based on a specific  property (e.g. weight, strength, hardness, and flexibility).

1.2 - Identify and explain some possible materials and tools (e.g. hammer, screwdriver,  pliers, tape measure, screws, nails and other mechanical fasteners)to construct a given prototype safely.

1.3 - Identify and explain the difference between simple and complex machines (e.g. Hand can  opener that includes multiple gears, wheel, wedge gear and lever).

2. Engineering Design

Broad Concept: Engineering design requires creative thinking and strategies to solve  practical problems generated by needs and wants.

2.1 - Identify a problem that reflects the need for shelter, storage or convenience.

2.2 - Describe different ways in which a problem can be represented (e.g. sketches, diagrams, graphic  organizers and lists).

2.3 - Identify relevant design features (e.g. size, shape, weight) for building a prototype of a solution  to a given problem.

2.4 - Compare natural systems with mechanical systems that are designed to serve similar purposes  (e.g. birds wings as compared to an airplane's wings).






The Massachusetts State Frameworks for grades 6-8 Technology/Engineering are listed below:

1. Materials and Tools
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 (i.e., 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.

2. Engineering Design
Broad Concept: Engineering design is an iterative process involving modeling and optimizing for  developing technological solutions to problems within given constraints.

2.1 - Identify and explain the steps of the engineering design process (e.g. identify the need or problem,  research the problem, develop possible solutions, select the best possible solution(s), construct a  prototype, test and evaluate, communicate the solution(s), and redesign).

2.2 - Demonstrate methods of representing solutions to a design problem (e.g. sketches, orthographic  projections, multiview drawings).

2.3 - Describe and explain the purpose of a given prototype.

2.4 - Identify appropriate materials, tools, and machines needed to construct a prototype of a given  engineering design.

2.5 - Explain how such design features as size, shape, weight, function and cost limitations  (e.g. ergonomics) would affect the construction of a given prototype.

2.6 - Identify the five elements of a universal systems model: goal, inputs, processes, outputs, and  feedback.

3. Communication Technologies

Broad Concept: Ideas can be communicated though engineering drawings, written reports, and pictures.

3.1 - Identify and explain the components of a communication system (e.g. source, encoder, transmitter,  receiver, decoder, storage, retrieval, and destination).

3.2 - Identify and explain the appropriate tools, machines, and electronic devices (e.g., drawing tools,  computer-aided design, and cameras) used to produce and/or reproduce design solutions  (e.g. engineering drawings, prototypes, and reports).

3.3 - Identify and compare communication technologies and systems (e.g. audio, visual, printed, and mass communication).

3.4 - Identify and explain how symbols and icons (e.g. international symbols and graphics) are used to  communicate a message.

4. Manufacturing Technologies
Broad Concept: Manufacturing is the process of converting raw materials (primary process) into physical  goods (secondary process), involving multiple industrial processes (e.g. assembly, multiple stages of  production, quality control).

4.1 - Describe and explain the manufacturing systems of custom and mass production.

4.2 - Explain and give examples of the impacts of interchangeable parts, components of mass produced  products, and the use of automation (e.g. robotics).

4.3 - Describe a manufacturing organization, e.g. corporate structure, research and development,  production, marketing, quality control, distribution.

4.4 - Explain basic processes in manufacturing systems (e.g. cutting, shaping, assembling, joining,  finishing, quality control, and safety).

5. Construction Technologies
Broad Concept: Construction technology involves building structures in order to contain, shelter,  manufacture, transport, communicate, and provide recreation.

5.1 - Describe and explain parts of a structure (e.g. foundation, flooring, decking, wall, roofing  systems).

5.2 - Identify and describe three major types of bridges (e.g. arch, beam, and suspension) and their  appropriate uses (e.g. site, span, resources and load).

5.3 - Explain how the forces of tension, compression, torsion, bending and shear affect the performance  of bridges.

5.4 - Describe and explain the effects of loads and structural shapes on bridges.

6. Transportation Technologies
Broad Concept: Transportation technologies are systems and devices that move goods and people from  one place to another across or through land, air, water, or space.

6.1 - Identify and compare examples of transportation systems and devices that operate on each of the  following: land, air, water and space.

6.2 - Given a transportation problem, explain a possible solution using the universal systems model.

6.3 - Identify and describe three subsystems of a transportation vehicle or device (e.g. structural,  propulsion, guidance, suspension, control, and support).

6.4 - Identify and explain lift, drag , friction, thrust, and gravity in a vehicle or device  (e.g. cars, boats, airplanes, rockets).

7. Bio-Related Technologies
Broad Concept: Bio-related technologies explore the production of mechanical devices, products,  biological, substances, and organisms to improve health and/or contribute improvement to our daily lives.


7.1 - Explain examples of adaptive or assistive devices, e.g. prosthetic devices, wheel chairs,  eyeglasses, grab bars, hearing aids, lifts, braces.

7.2 - Describe and explain adaptive and assistive bio-engineered products, e.g. food, bio-fuels,  irradiation, integrated pest management.