Technology Fundamentals

So Why Technology Class? So you can learn about how the world works. Things are more exciting when we know how they work. Being able to make more informed decisions. And of course its fun.

What Is Technology? Processes and knowledge that people use to extend human abilities and to satisfy human needs and wants.

Six Areas Of Technology Communication Energy and Power Manufacturing Construction Transportation Bio-related

Evolution of Technology Pair and Share….. With the person next to you take 1 minute and list several factors that influence how technology evolves.

Changes in Society Different cultures faced different problems in different parts of the world. For example: Greek islands = fast ships As society changes and grows so does the inventions.

Technology Growth Water wheels where used to process grain for and agricultural society. The economy was impacted due to the it being better for one owner to operate the mill. (Commercial Value of Technology) As industry rose the water wheel morphed to a steam turbine to produce electricity.

Water Wheel to Steam

Invention or Innovation? Invention is new technologies or products that are created. Innovation is an existing product that is altered.

Invention or Discovery? Pair and Share….. With your partner take 2 minutes and discuss the difference in an invention and a discovery. Examples to consider: Fire, Electricity, Nuclear Energy, Cars and Printing Press.

Technology Through History

Ages and Inventions Prehistory is a time prior to 10,000 BC and few technological advances are made. Focus is on socialization and scavenger survival. Stone tools and discovery of fire are first seen.

Ages – Hunter/Gathers 10,000BC-4,000BC Horticultural Revolution – Small crops planted and animal domestications occurs. Early cities arise, such as Jericho and Uruk. Inventions include the wheel and transportation by water.

Ages – Agrarian 4,000BC-1700AD Early in the age, first nation states arise (China). Simple machines become useful. Means of measuring make large construction possible. Writing is invented to document business and religious text. Major religions are founded.

Ages – Industrial Revolution 1700AD-1960AD Large national states are founded and transportation makes societal changes. Mass production factories arise changing society and creating new occupations. Mass printed text and communication becomes a vital part of society. Electricity and nuclear energy are discovered.

Ages – Information Age 1960AD-Today International organizations and mass intercontinental travel. Primitive space travel to the moon becomes possible Internet makes idea exchange and live communication possible with proliferation of computers.

What’s next? We will work on an exercise with our partner talking about what is the technological boom. Answer the following questions in your notebook: What is the next tech advance to take place? Why do you think this technology is the next phase in human history? What can you use to support your claim? Ie: examples of what you see in present time that lends you to think this is the future.

What is a technological system? A man made group of parts that work together as a unit to achieve a specific goal.

Technology Systems Model (Open Loop) Output Input Process

Technology Systems Model (Closed Loop) Input Output Compare and andjust Process Feedback

What can be Inputs? People Information Tools/Machines Materials Energy Time Capital

Activity, Determine whether a system is open or closed. Oven heating elements Printer Radio Light Switch