Computer graphics systems typically produce a single, machine-like character font. At most, these systems enable the user to (1) alter the aspect ratio (height-to-width ratio) of the characters, (2) specify a transformation matrix to slant the characters, and (3) define a virtual pen table to change the lineweight of the plotted characters.…

Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) programs are used to teach drafting at an Indiana high school. The school system's maintenance department shared use of the software and equipment to produce original drawings of school buildings. (MLF)

Derivation of formulas and example problems for determining the size of a plane angle are given to help in drafting work. The authors state that a small hand calculator will provide greater accuracy in solving these problems than a protractor. (MF)

The mother of a child with Down's syndrome recounts her experiences in learning the initial diagnosis, and her difficulties in obtaining information and securing the best educational setting. She discusses the benefits of mainstreamed classes and cautions parents not be cowed into limited expectations for their children. (CL)

This article describes the Hill-Climb project of a second level Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) class. The author primarily designed the activity to increase student understanding of the assembly drawing process and its components. The emphasis on problem solving adds a dimension that can aid students in their other classes as well. By…

Integrating supportive design features and technology into the home are excellent ways to plan to make a home "age-friendly." When an immediate need occurs for eliminating barriers in an existing home, supportive design features and technology will most often need to be examined, and some form of implementation will need to take place. While…

This competency based drafting curriculum is presented in seven specialization sections with units in each section containing a competency statement, performance objective, learning activities, evaluation, and quiz or problem sheets. Some units also contain answer sheets and/or handout sheets. Sections and number of units presented are (1) basic…

Mechanical systems have structural organizations--parts, and their relations--and functional organizations--temporal, dynamic, and causal processes--which can be explained using text or diagrams. Two experiments illustrate the role of arrows in diagrams of mechanical systems. In Experiment 1, people described diagrams with or without arrows,…

This contribution presents two major findings from a qualitative investigation into spatial ability. The elicited data suggested that one of the significant differences between individuals identified as high and low in spatial ability was their decomposition skill relative to spatial problems. Also revealing was the impact of frustration and…

Creating poster portfolios can increase the quality of work that students put into planning projects. This article describes an activity developed by the author that involves the use of poster portfolio projects. The activity helps students produce better-organized, higher quality work, and allows them to enjoy the opportunity it gives them for…

The curriculum guide for drafting occupations is one of five guides written and field tested in a project to develop statewide articulated competency-based curricula in selected vocational education programs. Contents of the guide are divided into eight curriculum levels, and students should be able to enter the program at the appropriate level of…

The graduate of the 1970's must know something about the age of computerization and how it affects his world. The author describes an automatic drafting system and its application, to aid technical educators, who will probably be responsible for the students' familiarity with computer or computer-related machines. (Author/AJ)

The certification procedure which is used by the American Institute for Design and Drafting applies to secondary, post-secondary, and collegiate programs offering occupational education for junior draftsmen, draftsmen, design draftsmen, and engineering designers. The major sections in this report outline: (1) eligibility requirements, (2)…