Joseph Scarcella, Ph.D. ESTM INTRODUCTION TO TECHNOLOGY ESTM INQUIRY TEACHING & LEARNING IN SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Source: Introduction to Technology by Alan J. Pierce and Dennis Karwatka : McGraw Hill/Glencoe, 1999.

Technology involves all products, inventions, and discoveries made by people. Technology involves all products, inventions, and discoveries made by people. People taking natural materials and turning them into something useful is technology. People taking natural materials and turning them into something useful is technology. Rocks with iron ore are turned into metal; sand is changed to glass; trees create paper products. Rocks with iron ore are turned into metal; sand is changed to glass; trees create paper products. Anything created by nature is not technology. Anything created by nature is not technology.

The practical use of human knowledge to extend human abilities and to satisfy human needs and wants. The practical use of human knowledge to extend human abilities and to satisfy human needs and wants. Technology are things we use in our society. Technology are things we use in our society.

Technology is fun, rewarding and exciting. Technology is fun, rewarding and exciting. Technology requires hand work and head work…the use of tools and materials are needed to problem solve. Technology requires hand work and head work…the use of tools and materials are needed to problem solve. Technology is rewarding as we can see the results of our work. Technology is rewarding as we can see the results of our work. Technology through exploration brings new ideas and challenges. Technology through exploration brings new ideas and challenges. Technology integrates all academic subjects. Technology integrates all academic subjects.

To be technologically literate, one must have knowledge, capabilities, and understanding (ways of thinking and acting) about technology. To be technologically literate, one must have knowledge, capabilities, and understanding (ways of thinking and acting) about technology. Someone who is informed about technology feels comfortable with it. Someone who is informed about technology feels comfortable with it. Someone that understands technology has moral and ethical values/principles. Someone that understands technology has moral and ethical values/principles.

Technology involves people. Technology involves people. People create technology. People create technology. People apply technology. People apply technology.

Technology comes from the ancient Greek word techne, which means art. Technology comes from the ancient Greek word techne, which means art. The Greeks viewed the word as much more than art, paintings and sculptures. The Greeks viewed the word as much more than art, paintings and sculptures. They believed technology linked nature to the human spirit. They believed technology linked nature to the human spirit.

Early workers in technology called themselves artisians. Meaning a highly skilled worker. Early workers in technology called themselves artisians. Meaning a highly skilled worker. From the Greeks came the word mechanikos, meaning machine. Those working with machines were called mechanics. From the Greeks came the word mechanikos, meaning machine. Those working with machines were called mechanics. The word Technology comes from the Greek word technikos which means, artistic, professional. The word Technology comes from the Greek word technikos which means, artistic, professional. People who work with technology are technicians and technologist. People who work with technology are technicians and technologist.

Science – knowledge covering general truths or laws that explain how something happens (Inquiry and Discovery). Science – knowledge covering general truths or laws that explain how something happens (Inquiry and Discovery). Engineering and Technology – designing products or structures using materials, processes, and systems (Innovation and Design). Engineering and Technology – designing products or structures using materials, processes, and systems (Innovation and Design). Through technology we experiment and learn how things work. Through technology we experiment and learn how things work. Source: Introduction to Technology by Alan J. Pierce and Dennis Karwatka: McGraw Hill/Glencoe, 1999.