Thank you, Mark Mitchell 
Thank you to our local community business for financially supporting our student competitions.
The Pencil by
Henry Petroski traces the origins of the pencil back to ancient Greece and Rome, writes factually and charmingly about its development over the centuries and around the world, and shows what the pencil can teach us about engineering and technology today.
To Engineer Is Human by 
The Essential Engineer by
$26.95 US $33.00 CAN   From the acclaimed author of The Pencil and To Engineer is Human, The Essential Engineer is an eye-opening exploration of the ways in which science and engineering must work together to address our world's most pressing issues, from dealing with climate change and the prevention of natural disasters to the development of efficient automobiles and the search for renewable energy sources. While the scientist may identify problems, it falls to the engineer to solve them. It is this inherent practicality of engineering, which takes into account structural, economic, environmental, and other factors that science often does not consider, that makes engineering vital to answering our most urgent concerns. Henry Petroski takes us inside the research, development, and debates around the most critical challenges of our time, exploring the feasibility of biofuels, the progress of battery-operated cars, and the question of nuclear power. He gives us an in-depth investigation of the various options for renewable energy-among them solar, wind, tidal, and ethanol-explaining the benefits and risks of each. Will windmills soon populate our landscape the way they did in previous centuries? Will synthetic trees,, said to be more efficient at absorbing harmful CO2 than real trees, soon dot our prairies? Will we construct a "sunshade" in outer space to protect ourselves from dangerous rays? In many cases, the technology already exists, and what's needed is not so much invention as engineering. Just as the great achievements of centuries past-the steamship, the airplane, the moon landing-once seemed beyond reach, the solutions of the 21st century's problems await only a similar coordination of science and engineering. Eloquently reasoned and written, The Essential Engineer identifies and illuminates these problems-and above all sets out a course for putting ideas into action.   [Insert author photo] Catherine Petroski     Henry Petroski is the Aleksandar S. Vesic Professor of Civil Engineering and a professor of history at Duke University. The author of more than a dozen previous books, he lives in Durham, North Carolina, and Arrowsic, Maine.   With 12 illustrations in text   Jacket design by Chip Kidd   Alfred A. Knopf, Publisher, New York 2/2010  
Design Paradigms by
From classical temples to twentieth century towers, engineers have learned more about design from failure than from success. The concept of error, according to the author of Design Paradigms, is central to the design process. As a way of explaining the enduring aspects of engineering design, Henry Petroski relates stories of some of the greatest engineering successes and failures of all time. These case studies, drawn from a wide range of times and places, from Ancient Greece and Rome to modern America, serve as paradigms of error and judgment in engineering design. By showing how errors were introduced in the design process and how they might be avoided, the book suggests how better quality and reliability might be achieved in designed devices, structures, and systems of all kinds. Clearly written, with striking illustrations, the book will appeal to engineering students, practicing engineers, historians of science and technology, and all those interested in learning about the process of design.
Some of the apps suggested below may require purchasing and are not free.These apps are suggestions and not requirements for this class.
Drafting Competition
Students are currently preparing for the regional IDEA drafting competition to be held at McHenry County College (MCC) this month. the competition has openings in multiple categories for students to enter to challenge their skill sets. Some of WNHS students will be competing in Assembly while others will be competing in 3D design. Students are currently enrolled in the PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design course.
WNHS Robotic
MCC is hosting the second annual robotic competition next spring. WNHS will be starting to work on a solution to the challenge that has been presented. Students are welcome to join at any time. Robotics teams will form and work in groups of three to compete. Please see the following link to find information and watch the video.
Students at WNHS work on all phases of the design stages to develop a solution to compete.
2016-1017 New Competition will be High Mileage Vehicle
Students will follow the rules and regulations provided by Wisconsin Energy Efficient Vehicle Association (WEEVA). Students will design, construct, test, and compete with their fully functional vehicle during the school year.
This type of challenge is run in multiple states across the United States, including but not limited to Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri, California, and more.
Shell Oil has a worldwide competition that is similar and challenges indifferent age groups.
http://www.shell.com/energy-and-innovation/shell-ecomarathon.html
Do you know what PLTW is and what it can do for your future?
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is the leading Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) program in the United States for education. WNHS is one of the National certified programs in the country to deliver this material. All students are welcome to take PLTW classes. Do not get confused by the name word "engineering" as this does not define what the class is or the career path that comes from taking these classes. In the most basic form, if you are a person who cares to improve life in any way from an improved roadway, new medical processes, new mobile application, communication device, etc. these offerings are for you.
Woodstock North High School is proud to have a Technology Student Association that is aligned with National standards and recognized as one of the nine Career and Technical Student Organizations. the members of the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCC-CTSO) are the executive directors of the nationally recognized Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). Students get more than recognition including leadership skills, academic challenges, and networking skills. Any student is welcomed to join the WNHS TSA Club.
Mission Statement
The Technology Student Association fosters personal growth, leadership, and opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); members apply and integrate these concepts through co-curricular activities, competitions, and related programs.
The Technology Student Association's Motto
Learning To Live In A Technical World
The Technology Student Association's Creed
I believe that Technology Education holds an important place in my life in the technical world. I believe there is a need for the development of good attitudes concerning work, tools, materials, experimentation, and processes of industry. Guided by my teachers, artisans from industry, and my own initiative, I will strive to do my best in making my school, community, state, and nation better places in which to live. I will accept the responsibilities that are mine. I will accept the theories that are supported by proper evidence. I will explore on my own for safer, more effective methods of working and living. I will strive to develop a cooperative attitude and will exercise tact and respect for other individuals. Through the work of my hand and mind, I will express my ideas to the best of my ability. I will make it my goal to do better each day the task before me, and to be steadfast in my belief in my God, and my fellow Americans.
Stephen Buchs
Woodstock North High School
3000 Raffel Road
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-334-6324
I have been asked by several people to put together a list of vendors that offer a variety of supplies for activities that modern students of the 21st century may enjoy to order. I would like to note that I have no connection to any of the following companies and get no benefit from these companies. I cannot be held responsible for any of their materials, orders, or company policies. I know that it can be hard to shop for gifts that educate and are engaging for the modern student. I hope that this list helps the people who have asked for a starting point. I would encourage anyone using these links to still search specific products across multiple vendors as it can vary more in price than one can even imagine.
