TAS1O
Technology and the Skilled Trades
This hands-on Grade 9 course introduces students to the engineering design process and a range of technological knowledge and skills. Students initiate, design, build and evaluate projects, explore skilled trades pathways and examine how technology shapes society and the environment.
Grade
9
Credit
1.0
Delivery
Online
Prerequisite
None
About This Course
This hands-on Grade 9 course introduces students to the engineering design process and a range of technological knowledge and skills. Students initiate, design, build and evaluate projects, explore skilled trades pathways and examine how technology shapes society and the environment.
What You'll Learn
- Initiate and plan technology projects using fundamental concepts and skills.
- Design and perform projects that create products and/or services.
- Test, analyze and refine processes, products and services.
- Apply health-and-safety practices when using materials, tools and equipment.
- Analyze how social, economic and environmental needs drive technological development and how technologies affect people and the environment.
- Explore technology careers, skilled trades, apprenticeships, certifications and education/training pathways.
Skills You'll Develop
- Engineering design and iterative problem-solving
- Technical communication, digital design and CAD
- Precision measurement, planning and documentation
- Safe prototyping and responsible use of tools/materials
- Career exploration and transferable employability skills
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate technological concepts and related skills by initiating and planning projects.
- Develop products and/or services using appropriate resources and techniques and document the design process.
- Evaluate and refine processes, products and services.
- Apply health-and-safety practices and procedures.
- Explain factors that drive technological development.
- Analyze social, economic and environmental impacts of technologies.
- Explore careers and pathways in technology and the skilled trades.
Course Units
The following reflects the school’s planned organization of the course. Approximate time allocations may be adjusted while all curriculum expectations and required planned learning are maintained.
| Unit | Title / Major Learning Focus | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Engineering Design Process, Safety and Precision Measurement | 18 hours |
| 2 | Technical Communication, Digital Design, Materials and Tools | 18 hours |
| 3 | Design Project 1: Identifying Needs, Planning and Prototyping | 22 hours |
| 4 | Design Project 2: Products and Services Across Technological Fields | 22 hours |
| 5 | Technology, Society, Sustainability and Innovation | 12 hours |
| 6 | Skilled Trades Pathways and Culminating Design Portfolio | 16 hours |
| Final | Mandatory Written Final Examination | 2 hours |
Assessment
Assessment uses evidence gathered over time from student work, conversations and observations. The final grade for 2026–2027 is determined as follows:
| Component | Weight | How It Is Determined |
|---|---|---|
| Course work throughout the course | 65% | Evaluation evidence gathered throughout the course, with emphasis on consistent and more recent achievement. |
| Mandatory written final examination | 10% | Written final examination during the designated final-evaluation period. |
| Culminating task | 10% | Culminating task/design portfolio demonstrating comprehensive achievement. |
| Attendance and participation | 15% | Based on meaningful engagement and participation in planned learning. |
Examples of Assessment Evidence
Assessment may include conferences, oral explanations, discussions, screen-sharing, demonstrations, drafts, design journals, portfolios, tests, projects, presentations, CAD/digital-design work and final evaluations.
Pathways
Career exploration is an explicit focus. Students investigate technological fields, skilled trades, apprenticeship, job-skills programs, secondary and postsecondary pathways and employment opportunities relevant to their interests.
The course also develops transferable skills that can be applied in other subjects, postsecondary learning, community contexts and future employment.
Teacher Support
- Students learn primarily through the school's secure online learning environment and receive ongoing support from qualified teachers.
- Teacher-supported conferencing, tutorials and scheduled live support are available as appropriate.
- Teachers guide engineering design challenges, technical drawings, digital/CAD work, measurement and planning.
- Safe prototype work uses teacher-approved low-risk materials and tools; simulations and virtual labs are used when physical equipment is not available.
- Design journals and project reviews help students document planning, testing, feedback, analysis and refinement.
- Learning goals, success criteria and timely descriptive feedback help students improve designs and communicate solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the course code?
TAS1O — Technology and the Skilled Trades, Grade 9, Open.
How many credits is TAS1O?
The course is worth 1.0 Ontario secondary school credit.
Is there a prerequisite?
No. There is no prerequisite or co-requisite.
Can students build projects in an online course?
Yes, but physical construction is limited to teacher-approved activities that can be completed safely. Higher-risk machinery, power tools and hazardous materials are not used.
Does the course include CAD or digital design?
Yes. Technical communication, CAD/digital design, precision measurement, planning and simulation are part of the learning strategies.
How is the final grade calculated?
65% course work, 10% mandatory written final examination, 10% culminating task, and 15% attendance and participation.
Does the course explore skilled trades?
Yes. Students investigate skilled trades, apprenticeship, job-skills programs, certifications, secondary and postsecondary pathways and employability skills.
Ready to Take This Course?
$549 / Credit
- Provided by CSW — Canadian School of the World
- Ontario Ministry of Education registered
- Delivered fully online
Need Help Deciding?
Not sure if this is the right course? Book a free 30-minute meeting with a CSW advisor.
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