Introduction

Within Core Curriculum, the Practical and Applied Arts (PAA) is a major area of study that incorporates five traditional areas of Business Education, Computer Education, Home Economics, Industrial Arts and Work Experience Education. Saskatchewan Education, its educational partners and other stakeholders have collaborated to complete the PAA curriculum renewal. Some PAA curriculum guidelines have been updated; some components have been integrated, adapted or deleted; some Locally Developed Courses of study have been elevated to provincial status; and some new guidelines have been developed.

A companion Practical and Applied Arts Handbook provides background on Core Curriculum philosophy, perspectives and initiatives. The Handbook articulates a renewed set of goals for PAA. It presents additional information about the PAA area of study, including guidelines about work study and related transition-to-work dimensions. In addition, the Practical and Applied Arts Information Bulletin provides direction for administrators and others regarding the implementation of PAA courses. Lists of recommended resources for all guidelines will be compiled into a PAA Bibliography with periodic updates. An initial list of resources for Electrical and Electronics accompanies the curriculum guide.

Philosophy and Rationale

In today's rapidly changing world, the use of electricity and electronic devices is ever expanding. A basic understanding of electrical and electronics theory and applications will enhance the ability of students to manage new technologies as they emerge.

Providing for learning electrical and electronics skills at the Secondary Level affords students an opportunity to gain experience and employment in the private sector. There may also be an opportunity for students who have completed courses to apply for advanced standing in a post-secondary training program. Students may be granted time credit should they register as an apprentice following high school completion. Some students may choose these courses of study for personal use.

Courses in Electrical and Electronics are offered to:

• introduce high school students to specific life skills that have practical lifetime application
• give students the opportunity to investigate career options
• develop specific employability skills that will facilitate entry level employment or participation in post-secondary education and training.

Aim, Goals and Foundational Objectives

The aim of the Electrical and Electronics 10, 20, A30, B30 curriculum is to provide students with opportunities to acquire knowledge and develop skills used in the electrical and electronics industry and to become familiar with career opportunities in this industry in Saskatchewan.

• To develop skills using hand and power tools of the industry
• To develop skills designing circuits, assembling components, soldering, wiring
• To develop skills using testing equipment, schematic drawings, blueprints, technical specifications, along with the testing and trouble shooting of electrical equipment.

• To provide students with experiences and information that delineate possible career and post-secondary training choices in the industry.

• To develop the ability to read electrical circuit diagrams, electronics schematics and related technical manuals
• To practise effective communication skills.

• To develop an awareness of the responsibility and need for safe procedures that must be followed in the work environment.

• To provide students with a practical application of mathematical computations used in the electrical and electronics industry.

• To develop cooperative work skills, professional ethics and behaviour, personal time management and personal wellness skills.

Foundational objectives are the major, general statements that guide what each student is expected to achieve in the modules of this PAA curriculum guide. Foundational objectives indicate the most important knowledge, skills, attitudes/values and abilities for a student to learn in a subject. Both the Foundational Objectives for Electrical and Electronics and the Common Essential Learnings (CELs) Foundational Objectives to be emphasized are stated in this document. Some of these statements may be repeated or enhanced in different modules for emphasis. The Foundational Objectives of the Core Modules of the Electrical and Electronics curriculum include:

• To read and interpret schematic diagrams and other technical documents.
• To use appropriate terminology for electricity or electronics in context.
• To become knowledgeable about the various principles and characteristics of electricity and electronics.
• To analyze circuits and predict their output.
• To be knowledgeable and skilled with different materials and devices and their application in the electricity and electronics field.
• To design and/or build circuits to an acceptable standard capable of producing a desired output.
• To work safely and cooperatively with other students and handle materials in a safe manner.
• To demonstrate the safe use and knowledge of meters and hand and power tools used in the electrical industry.
• To read and interpret meter readings.
• To test and evaluate the integrity of electrical and electronic components.
• To be knowledgeable about career opportunities in electrical and electronics fields.
• To become aware of post-secondary programs in the electrical and electronics fields.
• To increase self-esteem from success with equipment, materials and techniques used.
• The student will develop an awareness of career opportunities in the electrical trades.
• To provide students with experience in the electrical trades that will enable them to make informed career decisions.

All of the subject and CELs Foundational Objectives are stated explicitly at the beginning of each module.