Preparation Manual

Domain I—Fundamentals of Technology Education

Competency 001—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of the nature and philosophy of technology and technology education and the interactions between technology and society.

1. Which of the following companies developed the first single-chip microprocessor?

1. Intel
2. Motorola
3. Texas Instruments
4. Advanced Micro Devices

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Option A is correct because Intel produced the 4004 chip, the first single-chip microprocessor. Options B, C and D are incorrect because these companies created their processors after Intel.

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Competency 002—The Technology Education teacher understands the design process and its application in technology.

2. If a car has cruise control, which of the following aspects is removed from the feedback loop?

1. Speed
2. Engine
3. Speedometer
4. Driver

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Option D is correct because the driver is removed from the feedback loop when the speed is automatically monitored. Option A is incorrect because speed is one of the elements of the feedback system. Option B is incorrect because the engine is the part of the system that propels the car. Option C is incorrect because the speedometer monitors the speed to make sure the car is at the desired speed.

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Competency 003—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of the uses and impacts of technology and techniques for maintaining technology systems.

3. Which of the following statements about the National Electric Code (NEC) is true?

1. Jurisdictions that adopt the NEC must adopt installation codes at the same time.
2. The NEC ensures that the same electric codes are enforced across the United States.
3. The NEC is more effective when jurisdictions adopt it as law.
4. Amendments to the NEC are primarily made at local, not state, levels.

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Option C is correct because when adopted into law by states and local jurisdictions, the NEC has a more real significance. Option A is incorrect because installation-code timing is different among locals. Option B is incorrect because different electrical codes are enforced across the United States. Option D is incorrect because the NEC can be adopted with both state and local amendments.

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Competency 004—The Technology Education teacher knows how to plan, produce and manage a technology systems project.

4. A technology education class is planning the design and production of an all-in-one remote control for the home. The teacher wants the class to understand the importance of considering human factors in the project. Which of the following is the best first activity to assign the students?

1. Explaining the importance of ergonomics as it relates to the target design
2. Sketching prototypes of the remote control that will work with various sizes of human hands
3. Determining the dimensions and sizes of input mechanisms, such as keyboards
4. Defining which areas of the home will be controlled by the remote

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Option A is correct because in order for students to begin considering design implications and use, they must first understand the principles of ergonomics, which studies how the interactions between humans and the elements of a system can optimize humans' well-being. Options B, C and D are incorrect because they should be introduced only after some foundational knowledge has been introduced and understood.

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5. Designing a logo to accurately communicate a company’s message is an example of which of the following steps of the communication model?

1. Encoding
2. Transmitting
3. Decoding
4. Evaluating

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Option A is correct because encoding is the process of translating an idea into symbols that receivers can understand. In this case, the logo is the visual symbol used to encode the company’s image. Option B is incorrect because transmission is the process of sending the message through various channels. In this case, transmission may occur when the logo is printed and distributed on a business card. Option C is incorrect because decoding is the processing stage in which the receiver interprets the message. In this case, decoding takes place when a customer sees the logo and forms an opinion about the company based on the logo. Option D is incorrect because evaluating is what happens at the end of the process to determine if receivers (customers) got the intended message.

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Competency 005—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of the philosophy of technology education; knows how to develop and implement a technology education program; and knows how to plan, manage and maintain technology education facilities.

6. Which of the following is a primary advantage of using a horseshoe layout in a computer classroom?

1. It saves space.
2. It encourages discussion.
3. It allows students to work in groups.
4. It allows easy access to individual students.

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Option D is correct because horseshoe positioning has an opening that allows the instructor to have easy access to students. Option A is incorrect because the horseshoe requires a large room; therefore, saving space is not a benefit. Option B is incorrect because the horseshoe only allows interaction between students on either side of the table. Option C is incorrect because the horseshoe does not allow students to communicate easily in groups.

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Domain II—Communication

Competency 006—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of drafting.

7. Which THREE of the following tabs are used exclusively in the 3-D work space of AutoCAD?

1. Solid
2. Layout
3. Surface
4. Mesh
5. Parametric

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Option A is correct because the solid tab only appears in the 3-D work space. Option C is correct because the surface tab only appears in the 3-D work space. Option D is correct because the mesh tab only appears in the 3-D work space. Option B is incorrect because the layout tab only appears in the 2-D work space. Option E is incorrect because the parametric tab appears in both the 2-D and 3-D work spaces.

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Competency 007—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of equipment and techniques used in graphic design, photography and image transfer and reproduction.

8. Which of the following actions will best enable viewers of a Web site to process written information?

1. Using multiple fonts
2. Leaving white space
3. Using multiple colors
4. Maintaining consistent styles

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Option B is correct because leaving white space focuses the viewer’s attention and gives the opportunity to take a break from all the information provided. Option A is incorrect because when fonts vary too much, it can be distracting and can disrupt the viewer's understanding. Option C is incorrect because colors provide emphasis but don’t necessarily help the viewer understand the intended message. Option D is incorrect because consistency of style must be used when creating a project, but it does not play as big a part in helping the viewer process information as white space does.

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Competency 008—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of video and audio systems (e.g., radio, television), production techniques (e.g., recording, editing) and equipment (e.g., amplifiers, video cameras).

9. A student who is filming a scene moves the camera from the first floor to the second floor of the school along a constant vertical axis. The student is primarily using which of the following camera moves?

1. Tilt
2. Pan
3. Pedestal
4. Zoom

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Option C is correct because physically moving the camera up or down along a constant vertical axis is called a pedestal shot. Option A is incorrect because in a tilt shot, only the camera lens moves; the camera itself remains in the same spot. Option B is incorrect because to pan means to move the camera lens from side to side. The camera itself remains in the same spot. Option D is incorrect because to zoom means to use the lens to make the subject appear farther away or closer to the camera.

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Competency 009—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of electronic communication.

10. Which of the following statements about electronic communication is true?

1. One-way transmissions are also known as full or half duplex.
2. Digital signals are often broad, continuous codes.
3. Messages are converted to analog signals before being sent over cable.
4. Electronic signals repeatedly switch from digital to analog.

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Option D is correct because electronic signals change from analog to digital and vice versa. Option A is incorrect because one-way transmissions are known as simplex. Option B is incorrect because digital signals are discrete on/off codes. Option C is incorrect because messages are converted to electrical signals instead of analog signals.

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Domain III—Manufacturing

Competency 011—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of types of manufacturing systems and of the organization, structure and management of manufacturing enterprises.

11. During which of the following processes does a product go through a promotional stage before being moved into full production?

1. Commercialization
2. Test marketing
3. Product development
4. Product screening

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Option B is correct because test marketing enables the company to test the product out before fully manufacturing it on a large scale. Option A is incorrect because commercialization is the process of introducing a new product or production method into commerce—making it available on the market. Option C is incorrect because product development describes the process of developing the product. Option D is incorrect because product screening is the process by which a company makes a selection from a set of potential products.

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12. Which of the following strategies is the best approach in developing a successful marketing plan?

1. Focusing efforts on new customers instead of returning customers
2. Having a general idea of what customers want
3. Developing a unique selling proposition that sets the company apart
4. Creating an advertising plan using minimal research

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Option C is correct because a unique selling proposition sets businesses apart from the competition. Option A is incorrect because most business is generated from repeat customers, not new customers. Option B is incorrect because having only a general idea is not enough; businesses should determine specifically what their customers want. Option D is incorrect because developing an effective advertising plan requires extensive research.

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13. A technology education teacher is planning an activity that asks students to create a marketing plan. Which of the following is the best first step for the students to take?

1. Determine the product being marketed.
2. Identify the ideal customer.
3. Create materials to educate the market.
4. Develop an overarching plan.

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Option B is correct because most experts recommend identifying the customer for the product as the first step. Option A is incorrect because the product is being provided to the students, so it has already been identified. Option C is incorrect because educational materials must be geared toward the ideal customer. Option D is incorrect because an overarching plan can only be developed after identifying the market, or ideal customer.

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Competency 013—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of materials used in manufacturing.

14. Which of the following is a key weakness of composite decking?

1. It requires sanding or using chemical strippers for surface preparation.
2. It is susceptible to load failure if there are incorrectly formed joints.
3. It easily degrades in the absence of proper drainage and airflow.
4. It is vulnerable to sagging when temperatures soar.

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Option C is correct because composite decking, which contains about 50 percent wood dust, can easily degrade without proper drainage and airflow. Option A is incorrect because applying chemical strippers and sanding is done before staining a wooden deck. Option B is incorrect because susceptibility to load failure from incorrectly formed joints is a drawback of an aluminum deck. Option D is incorrect because vulnerability to sagging in high temperatures is a drawback of a plastic deck.

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Competency 014—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality control procedures.

15. Which of the following power tools is best used to finish edges of metal after cutting or welding?

1. Lathe
2. Deburring and polishing machine
3. Drill press
4. Sheet metal shear machine

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Option B is correct because a deburring and polishing machine uses abrasive material like sandpaper to smooth and polish the ragged edges that result from cutting or welding. Option A is incorrect because a lathe rotates a part against a tool whose position it controls. It is useful for fabricating parts or features that have a circular cross section. Option C is incorrect because a drill press is a rotating power tool that uses drill-bit tools of various sizes for boring cylindrical holes in wood, metal, plastic, etc. Option D is incorrect because a sheet metal shear machine can be a manual or power metal-cutting tool.

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Domain IV—Construction

Competency 015—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of types of construction projects, procedures for planning, surveying and preparing sites for construction projects and postconstruction activities.

16. Which of the following tools is best for a surveyor to use to measure both horizontal and vertical angles?

1. Compass
2. Level
3. Chain
4. Transit

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Option D is correct because the transit is a surveyor’s tool that measures both horizontal and vertical angles. Option A is incorrect because a compass determines the direction of a line. Option B is incorrect because a level determines elevation. Option C is incorrect because a chain measures distance.

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Competency 016—The Technology Education teacher knows how to apply engineering principles to construction projects.

17. Which of the following methods best improves surface density when pouring concrete?

1. Covering the concrete with protective plastic
2. Vibrating the concrete once poured
3. Adding extra water to the concrete
4. Adding cement powder to the concrete

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Option B is correct because vibrating the concrete once poured eliminates small bubbles and holes that can appear on the surface of the concrete when dry. Option A is incorrect because covering concrete with plastic will keep excess water off, not improve surface density. Option C is incorrect because adding extra water will make the concrete soft and weak. Option D is incorrect because while adding cement powder will increase the overall strength of the concrete, the surface density will not be affected.

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Competency 017—The Technology Education teacher understands how to use hand and power tools in construction.

18. Which of the following types of tools is powered by compressed air?

1. Powder-actuated
2. Pneumatic
3. Hydraulic power
4. Electric

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Option B is correct because pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air. Option A is incorrect because powder-actuated tools are powered by gunpowder. Option C is incorrect because hydraulic power tools are powered by fluids. Option D is incorrect because electric tools are powered by electricity.

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19. Which TWO of the following saws are best suited for cutting an eight-foot two-by-four board in half?

1. Band saw
2. Table saw
3. Circular saw
4. Jigsaw
5. Handsaw

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Option C is correct because a circular saw is designed for rough, fast cutting of wood. Option E is correct because a handsaw is a manual version of the circular saw. Option A is incorrect because a band saw is best used for metals and intricate work. Option B is incorrect because a table saw is best used for rip cuts, or lengthwise cutting of boards. Option D is incorrect because a jigsaw has a delicate blade designed for fine detail work.

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Competency 018—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of construction materials and their properties.

20. Which of the following is the strongest alloy?

1. Steel
2. Tungsten
3. Chromium
4. Titanium

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Option A is correct because the strongest alloy is steel mixed with a few other elements. Steel alloys rank first in the top ten for yield and tensile strength. Options B, C and D are incorrect because tungsten, chromium, and titanium alloys are not stronger than steel.

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Competency 019—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of skills and techniques used for building, maintaining and repairing structures.

21. Which of the following is the main advantage of using roof trusses when building houses?

1. Trusses expedite the building process.
2. Trusses prevent rainwater from damaging the roof decking.
3. Trusses provide a strong and secure cover for the house.
4. Trusses create a moisture barrier to protect the wooden framing.

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Option A is correct because the major advantage of trusses is that the roof can be built much more quickly. Option B is incorrect because metal drip edges keep rainwater from damaging the ends of the wooden decking. Option C is incorrect because trusses do not cover the house; gable roofs have two sloping sides that meet at the ridge, which makes a strong and secure cover for the house. Option D is incorrect because insulation has waterproof paper attached to one side that faces the inside of the house and keeps moisture away from the wooden framing materials.

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Domain V—Energy, Power and Transportation

Competency 020—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of scientific concepts related to energy and power.

22. Which of the following types of energy is primarily created by electromagnetic waves?

1. Chemical energy
2. Sound energy
3. Nuclear energy
4. Radiant energy

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Option D is correct because the transportation of electromagnetic waves creates radiant energy. Option A is incorrect because chemical energy is created from the making and breaking of bonds in molecules. Option B is incorrect because sound energy is produced when compression and rarefaction waves travel through the air. Option C is incorrect because nuclear energy is produced when nuclear mass is converted into energy.

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Competency 021—The Technology Education teacher understands issues related to energy consumption and conservation.

23. Which of the following is the most common type of active solar collector?

1. Flat-plate
2. Direct gain
3. Parabolic dish
4. Linear-concentrating parabolic

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Option A is correct because the most common type of active solar collector is the flat-plate collector because of its simplicity and reliability. Options B, C and D are incorrect because they are less commonly used solar collectors.

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Competency 022—The Technology Education teacher understands characteristics of thermal, electrical, fluid and mechanical power systems and methods of control, transmission and storage of energy and power.

24. A wheelbarrow is an everyday example of which of the following types of levers?

1. Class-1
2. Class-2
3. Class-3
4. Class-4

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Option B is correct because a class-2 lever has the load between the effort and the fulcrum, as on a wheelbarrow. Option A is incorrect because a class-1 lever has the fulcrum between the load and the effort, as on a pair of scissors. Option C is incorrect because a class-3 lever has the effort between the fulcrum and the load, as on a shovel. Option D is incorrect because there are only three classes of levers.

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Competency 023—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of principles and applications of electronics.

25. Rising temperature in a copper wire has which of the following effects on the flow of electricity?

1. Electrical flow increases.
2. Electrical flow decreases.
3. Electrical flow does not change.
4. Electrical flow is not carried.

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Option B is correct because according to Ohm’s law, increasing the resistance of the circuit will lower the current. Raising the temperature of copper increases its resistance by 0.393 percent per degree Celsius. Options A and C are incorrect because increasing temperature increases resistance, which lowers the current flow. Option D is incorrect because copper is able to conduct electricity at varying temperatures.

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Competency 024—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of the design and use of vehicles and vehicular subsystems and the characteristics of land, air, water and space transportation systems.

26. A teacher asks an eighth-grade class to design a paper airplane that can fly high on a windy day. The assigned activity best teaches students the principle of

1. thrust.
2. force.
3. lift.
4. gravity.

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Option C is correct because lift is the aerodynamic force that holds an airplane in the air. Option A is incorrect because thrust is generated by airplane engines. Options B and D are incorrect because force and gravity are too broad and could apply to many activities, not just activities related to airplanes.

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Domain VI—Biotechnology and Computer Technology

Competency 025—The Technology Education teacher understands the role of biotechnology in business, industry and society.

27. Which of the following topics best addresses a primary ethical concern of biofuel production?

1. Biofuel production often uses bioremediation to stimulate bacteria that turns waste into harmless by-products.
2. Biofuel production often causes food and energy to compete for limited agricultural resources.
3. Biofuel production can lead to unintentional cross-pollination of weeds and wild relatives of the crop species.
4. Biofuel production can create a carbon-monoxide-infused slurry that requires special care and disposal.

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Option B is correct because research shows that competition for limited agricultural resources is by far the primary concern of biofuel technologies. Option A is incorrect because bioremediation is one of the primary concerns of environmental biotechnology and waste treatment. Option C is incorrect because cross-pollination is a major concern associated with genetically modified food. Option D is incorrect because carbon-monoxide-infused slurry is associated with bioleaching technologies.

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28. The United States government currently regulates food produced from genetically modified crops by

1. treating it like any other food, irrespective of production method.
2. requiring labels to identify it as genetically modified.
3. delaying approval while testing for long-term side effects.
4. banning it for human consumption through legislation.

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Option A is correct because the United States government has not to date established any regulations specific to bioengineered food. Option B is incorrect because labeling laws have been proposed, but none have been passed. Option C is incorrect because foods produced from genetically modified crops are not tested more than other foods. Option D is incorrect because not only are genetically modified crops not banned, but some sources estimate that up to 85 percent of United States corn is genetically engineered.

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Competency 026—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of principles of bio-related technologies

29. Which of the following pieces of equipment is used to view internal structures without the use of radiation?

1. CT scan
2. Mammography
3. Ultrasound
4. X-ray

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Option C is correct because the main advantage of ultrasound is that certain internal structures can be observed without using radiation. Option A is incorrect because Computerized Tomography (CT) or Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) scanning adds x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views of a patient’s anatomy, which exposes patients to radiation. Option B is incorrect because mammography exposes patients to radiation; it is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. Option D is incorrect because imaging with x-rays involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

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Competency 027—The Technology Education teacher demonstrates knowledge of basic principles related to computer technology.

30. Which of the following is the fastest type of cache memory in a computer?

1. L1
2. L2
3. RAM
4. ROM

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Option A is correct because the L1 cache works at the speed of the processor. Option B is incorrect because the L2 cache is generally two to three times slower than the L1 cache. Option C is incorrect because RAM is six times slower than the L1 cache. Option D is incorrect because ROM is not a type of cache memory.

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31. Which of the following is a unique numerical identifier assigned to computers that are networked on an intranet or through the Internet?

1. MAC address
2. ISSN
3. IP address
4. SSID

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Option C is correct because an IP address is a unique numeric identifier for a computer or other device on a TCP/IP network. Option A is incorrect because a media access control address (MAC address) is a unique identifier assigned to most network adapters or network interface cards (NICs) by the manufacturer for identification. Option B is incorrect because an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is an identifier assigned to a device that is permanent, in the same way ISBNs uniquely identify books. Option D is incorrect because a system set identifier (SSID) is the name of a wireless local area network (WLAN).

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Competency 028—The Technology Education teacher understands appropriate and effective uses of computer technology.

32. Which of the following types of software is best for gathering data and presenting an analysis?

1. System
2. Educational
3. Multimedia
4. Productivity

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Option D is correct because productivity software includes word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, personal information management, and personal finance applications. Spreadsheet software enables users to do calculations and manipulate numerical analyses easily using built-in formulas. Option A is incorrect because system software is software that enables a computer to run, such as operating system software, drivers for hardware devices, and computer resource management programs. Option B is incorrect because educational software includes products that teach users new skills such as typing, speaking a language, cooking, or playing an instrument. Option C is incorrect because multimedia software includes image editing, video editing, and auditing software; animation software; and other specialty software required to produce computer games, animations and movies.

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