Technology and Engineering Understanding Technology Technology Design Skills Technology and Society Table of Contents

Technology and Engineering

Understanding Technology

Technology Design Skills

Technology and Society

Table of Contents

Technology and Engineering - Understanding Technology

How Does Technology Relate to Science?

Science is the study of the natural world to understand how it functions. Technology, on the other hand, changes, or modifies, the natural world to meet human needs or to solve problems. For example, understanding the physics of light (science) led to the development of optical fibers and endoscopes (technology).


Technology, such as writing or word-processing technology, is always changing. Technology progresses as people’s knowledge increases and as new needs can be satisfied.

- Understanding Technology

How Technology Progresses


When you preview, you look ahead at the material to be read. Preview the figure Science and Technology. Then write two questions you have about the diagram in a graphic organizer like the one below. As you read, answer your questions.

Q. What does technology have to do with science?

A. Advances in technology contribute to advances in science.


Q. How does science affect technology?

A. Advances in science contribute to advances in technology.

Science and Technology

Previewing Visuals


Links on Technology

Click the SciLinks button for links on technology.



End of Section:Understanding

Technology

Technology and Engineering - Technology Design Skills

Identifying a Need

When engineers identify a need, they clearly define the problem they are trying to solve.


Researching the Problem

After defining a problem, engineers need to research it fully. When engineers research a problem, they gather information that will help them in their tasks.


Designing a Solution

Brainstorming leads to several possible design solutions. Sketching and modeling help engineers visualize different designs.


Designing a Solution

In choosing the best design, engineers must evaluate constraints and make trade-offs. Engineers sometimes have to repeat one or more steps.


Building a Prototype

Prototypes are used to test the operation of a product, including how well it works, how long it lasts, and how safe it is to use.


Troubleshooting and Redesigning

The next stage in the design process is to identify the causes of any problems and to re-design the product to address the problems.


Communicating the SolutionEngineers must communicate to consumers how a product meets their needs. They must also communicate with those involved in bringing the product to consumers.


Patents

A patent is a legal document issued by a government that gives the inventor exclusive rights to make, use, or sell the invention for a limited time.


SequencingSequence is the order in which a series of events occurs. As you read, make a flowchart that shows the steps in the technology design process. Put the steps of the process in separate boxes in the flowchart in the order in which they typically occur.

The Technology Design Process

Identify the need.

Research the problem.

Design a solution.

Build a prototype.

Troubleshoot and redesign.

Communicate the solution.

- Technology Design Skills


End of Section:Technology

Design Skills


Working on the Farm

The graph shows the percentage of workers who worked on farms between the years 1860 and 2000. Use the graph to answer the following questions.

- Technology and Society


Working on the Farm

Year, from 1860 to 2000

Reading Graphs:

What factor is plotted on the horizontal axis?



Working on the Farm

Percentage of total workers in the United States who are farm workers

Reading Graphs:

What factor is plotted on the vertical axis?



Working on the Farm

1860

Interpreting Data:

Of the years shown on the graph, in which year was the percentage of farm workers highest?



Working on the Farm

2000

Interpreting Data:

In which year was the percentage lowest?



Working on the Farm

It decreased from about45 percent to about2 percent, or a reduction of about 43 percent of the total workforce.

Calculating:

By how much did the percentage of farm workers change between 1860 and 2000?



Working on the Farm

The percentage of farm workers in the total workforce of the United States has declined steadily from 1860 to 2000.

Drawing Conclusions:

What trend does the graph show?



Working on the Farm

The progress of technology, including the advance of tractors and other machinery, reduced significantly the need for workers on farms over the last 150 years.

Inferring:

Based on what you know about technological advances, how would you explain the trend shown in the graph?


Technology and Engineering - Technology and Society

Analyzing Risks and Benefits

Should you use headphones? Evaluating the risks and benefits can help you decide.


Cause

Effects

As you read, identify one positive and one negative effect of each technology discussed in this section. Write the information in a graphic organizer like the one below.

Invention of air bags

Positive effect: saves lives

Negative effect: can cause injury or death

Invention of steam-powered looms

Positive effect: greater production

Negative effect: loss of jobs

Pesticide application

Positive effect: protects crops

Negative effect: harmful to plants and animals

Invention of tractors

Positive effect: can plow more land

Negative effect: loss of farm jobs

Invention of computers

Positive effect: workers can do more

Negative effect: quickens pace of life


Relating Cause and Effect


Links on Technology and Society

Click the SciLinks button for links on technology and society.



End of Section:Technology and

Society


Graphic Organizer

Science Technology

Study of the natural world

Rely on each other

To understand how it functions

Changing the natural world

To meet human needs and solve problems


End of Section:Graphic Organizer

Documents

Technology and Engineering Understanding Technology Technology Design Skills Technology and Society Table of Contents