English summary of the 1 number of volume 48 publishing paper

Original Paper

Title: The Intercausal Relationships of Student Learning Activities in Design Study
Author: Chikahiko YATA Kunio UEDA

題目：「ものづくり学習」における設計に関する学習活動要因の因果関係
著者：谷田　親彦・上田　邦夫

The purpose of this study is to examine the intercausal relationships in student learning activities of design study. The learning activity factors extracted from 113 students' design studies were l) basic knowledge and skills required for 'isometric drawing', 2) 'thinking process' in intrinsic learning activities, 3)'sketching' and 'illustration commentary' relevant to extrinsic activities, and 4) 'detailed indication of measurements' and 'inventiveness and originality' observable from the final design. The data were examined using covariance structure analysis. It was found that 'isometric drawing' methods affected the thinking process for 'examination of use requirements' and the 'inventiveness and originality' of designed articles.
Further, the thinking related to the 'examination of use requirements' and the 'examination of added value' greatiy influenced the extrinsic learning activity of 'sketching' and 'illustration commentary'. It was revealed that the thinking in terms of production and use levels and the learning activity factor of 'illustration commentary' contributed to qualitative improvement of design activity with regard to inventiveness and content.

Key words : manufacturing class, design, thinking process, sketching, covariance structure analysis

Title: Development of Simplified BASIC Language using Visual Basic
Author: Eiichi MIYAZAKI

題目：Visual Basic上における簡易型BASIC言語の開発
著者：宮崎　英一

In this study, we developed a simplified BASIC language using Visual Basic (VB). This language operates as a front-end processor and produces VB programs from BASIC source codes. In addition, the primary purpose of this language is to facilitate students' learning of computer programs in technical education, and our development provides easy-to-use commands for beginners in an intuitive and understandable developmental environment. In order to develop more control in learning programming, the ports of the USB interfaces controlling external devices were adjusted to direct control. Further, to enable learners with a deeper understanding in the execution management of running programs,.the proposed language has functions to directly play multimedia data, including sound and video. These are executed as advanced commands in VB and stored in the simplified language as modules, which thereafter can be used freely to meet the objectives of learning. This system will make possible an integration of program learning and management, of multimedia, and is technical education tailored to the information society.

Key words : Programming, Multimedia, Control, Visual Basic, USB, Computer, Information

Practical Paper

Title: An Energy Conservation Learning Plan and its Practice at Technical High Schools
Author: Nobuhiro NAGAO Takenori OGAWA

題目：工業高校における省エネルギー学習指導案とその実践
著者：長尾　伸洋・小川　武範

In a previous study we discussed the essentials of promoting energy-conservation technology education and the systematization of learning content in that area. This study is a practical guidline for an energy-conservation learning plan with the purpose of solving the 3E-trilemma of economy, energy and environment. As an example of hands-on learning related to energy-conservation technology a practical lesson with a sensor curcuit was conducted at a technical high school and was evaluated by qualitative analysis of four viewpoints: 1)interest and concern, 2)learning desire, 3)persuasiveness and understanding, and 4)energy-conservation awareness. We report here of its positive effect of enhancing these areas.

Key words : Energy Conservation Technology Education, Technical High Schools, Sensor, Learning Guideline

Case Study Paper

Title: Development of Educational Materials and Practice Using Investment (Lost-Wax) Casting in Fusion and Solidification Processing
Author: Hiroyuki Y. SUZUKI Shunzo TASHIMA

題目：インベストメント鋳造法を用いた溶融加工法の教材開発と教育実践
著者：鈴木　裕之・田島　俊造

Fusion and Solidification processing, one of the three basic material processing methods, is not often practiced in middle school engineering classes because the high-temperatures required make it a dangerous operation. We aimed to develop a safe and inexpensive teaching material for Fusion and Solidification processing through the application of low melting point alloy and the use of paper clay molds in Investment (Lost-Wax) Casting process, a representative example of Fusion and Solidification processing. In this paper, we have, for the purpose improving the safety of the process, revised the process reported in a previous paper, have added ways to avoid dangerous operations and have clarified the teacher's role. We report here on the application of this teaching methodology to middle school students for a summer holiday special class.

Key words : Fusion and Solidification Processing, Investment (Lost-Wax) Casting, Low Melting Point Alloy, Casting Mold

Title: Development of a White LED Hand Dynamo Flashlight for Technology Education
Author: Toru KAKIMOTO Yoshiro IZUMOTO Yoshihiro ASADA

題目：白色LEDを用いた手回し発電ライト
著者：垣本　徹・井津元　世士郎・浅田　儀博

In this study, as an example of a practical lesson in environmental energy education, we proposed a learning material for technology education in junior high schools - with a purpose of learning in the areas of efficient energy use, kinetic energy, electric power, as well as energy conversion from light energy in connection with the environmental problem.
This device generates electricity by turning a hand-powered dynamo to charge an electric double layer condenser, which powers a high brightness white LED; a device that can be used perpetually. A special feature of this learning material is that it is a next-generation light source that makes use of the much anticipated high brightness white LED and an electric double layer condenser that contains no heavy metals. Further, the dynamo has been made to generate power no matter which direction the handle is turned and the device efficiently generates long lasting luminence. Lastly, because no harmful by products are contacted in production it meets with objectives of environmental education.

Key words : Learning Material, Energy Conversion, Dynamo, White LED, Electric Double Layer Condenser