What is Technology?

Technology Technology is the process by which humans modify nature to meet their needs and wants.

Technology vs. Science Technology Science Study of our human-made world Deals with “what can be” Science Study of our natural world Deals with “what is”

Technology vs. Science continued Made up of sub-categories: Information Communication Bio-related and Agriculture Medical Environmental Production Manufacturing Construction Transportation Energy and Power Science Made up of sub-categories: Earth Science Biology Chemistry Physics Astronomy Other specialty areas Quantum Physics Computer Science These listings are NOT exhaustive or all inclusive.

Needs vs. Wants Technology addresses human needs and wants What are human needs? PHYSICAL NEEDS: Basic shelter Basic clothing Can you think of more? BIOLOGICAL NEEDS: Water Food Can you think of more? PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS: Family Friends Can you think of more?

Needs vs. Wants continued Technology addresses human needs and wants What are human wants? PHYSICAL WANTS: Nice house Nice car Nice clothes Can you think of more? BIOLOGICAL WANTS: Fresh water Fancy food Healthy living Can you think of more? PSYCHOLOGICAL WANTS: Talk with family See friends Entertainment Can you think of more?

How does Technology address human needs and wants? Through the use of these technologies, often the meeting of human needs and wants is accomplished. Technology Bio-Related and Agricultural Information Communication Production Transportation - Manufacturing Medical Environmental Energy and Power - Construction

Information Technology Information Technology is the process of gathering and storing data to be used in various forms: It has: Streamlined access to vast sources of information Allows us to produce more accurate forms of communication Expanded resource choices Enabled us to retrieve data in seconds

Examples of Information Technology Data collected on paper Data stored in computers Data stored in books Data stored in equipment or machines

Impacts of Information Technology POSITIVE IMPACTS NEGATIVE IMPACTS COMPUTERS – use of a computer to gather data easily and store INTERNET – using to store information for easy access OBSCELENCE – machines need to be maintained and upgraded INTERNET – information is not always accurate or reliable

Communication Technology Communication Technology is a process of giving or exchanging information. It has: Streamlined publishing techniques and allows us to produce more accurate drawings Expanded entertainment choices Enabled us to contact people thousands of miles away

Examples of Communication Technology Cell Phones Computer Aided Drafting Video Cassette Recordings Internet Radio Television Graphic Arts

Impacts of Communication Technology POSITIVE IMPACTS NEGATIVE IMPACTS CAD – using a computer to generate drawings INTERNET – a means of communicating quickly and inexpensively over long distances PAPER USAGE – people tend to create and print more documents INTERNET – people tend to misuse the internet for personal gain

Bio-related and Agricultural Technology Biotechnology is the application of the principles of biology to create commercial products or processes. Agricultural Technology is the application of processes that make it possible for food to be available year-round and to conserve resources. Both deal with living things Plants Animals People

Examples of Bio-Related and Agricultural Technology Bio-related Technology Pharmaceuticals Artificial limbs Genetic engineering Hydroponics Imaging devices Cardiovascular devices Ethics Agriculture Food, Fiber, and Fuel Plant growth Machines Production of ag products Transportation of ag products Storage of ag products

Impacts of Bio-Related and Agricultural Technology POSITIVE IMPACTS NEGATIVE IMPACTS HEALTH – improves quality of life HEALTH – Drugs may cause birth defects ENVIRONMENTAL – can produce more food per acre than before ENVIRONMENTAL – Chemicals have found their way into ground water, polluting good drinking water

Medical Technology Medical Technology is the study of medicine through the use of and advances of technology, such as medical instruments and apparatus, imaging systems in medicine, and mammography. Related terms: Bio-medical Engineering Medical Innovations.

Examples of Medical Technology Medical instruments and apparatus Vaccine Pharmaceuticals Artificial limbs Imagining equipment Ergonomics – the study of designing equipment to fit the human body, its movement & thinking patterns

Impacts of Medical Technology POSITIVE IMPACTS NEGATIVE IMPACTS HEALTH – improves quality of life HEALTH – use of technology may hinder life span DISEASE – research on controlling diseases and their spread is shortened DISEASE – not all cultures embrace use of vaccines and thus disease spreads

Environmental Technology Environmental Technology is study of the processes to control waste, soil erosion, reducing sediment in waterways, conserving water, and improving water quality, artificial ecosystems, and the effects of technology on the development of flora and fauna.

Examples of Environmental Technology Conservation Synthetic energy Waste management

Impacts of Environmental Technology POSITIVE IMPACTS NEGATIVE IMPACTS EARTH – improves quality of life EARTH – use of technology may hinder life span of the planet DISEASE – reduces chance of disease from bad air and chemicals DISEASE – economical forces the need to make choices that are not easily made

Production Technology Production Technology is the manufacturing of physical goods on an assembly line and the construction of structures on a job site.

Manufacturing Manufacturing is the process of changing materials into usable products Natural (found in nature) or Synthetic (human-made) Most takes place in factories on assembly lines Results in items that are either consumer products (used up) or industrial products (used to make other products)

Examples of Manufacturing Technology Clothing Entertainment devices Automobiles Chemical products Lumber Steel Food

Construction Technology Construction Technology is the study of the processes to Build a structure – made by joining parts to meet a certain need. Involves building a foundation, erecting the super structure, and finishing work. Support the load – external force on an object. Control the quality of construction using control systems.

Examples of Construction Technology Human-made structure: Houses High-rise buildings Bridges Roads Dams Schools

Impacts of Production Technology POSITIVE IMPACTS NEGATIVE IMPACTS MANUFACTURING – new products help to make our life easier and increase leisure time. MANUFACTURING – many industries use materials that can harm the environment. CONSTRUCTION – provides shelter, improves roads, creates employment opportunities. CONSTRUCTION – noise and debris, traffic problems, accidents & injuries

Transportation Technology Transportation Technology is the process by which people, animals, products, and materials are moved from one place to the next. Flight Land Transportation Water Transportation Goods Transportation

Examples of Transportation Technology Air Airplane Rocket Space Shuttle Helicopter Water Commercial ships Cruise Ships Utility vessels Land Train Subway Automobile Bicycle Goods Conveyor Belts Robots Trucks

Impacts of Transportation Technology POSITIVE IMPACTS NEGATIVE IMPACTS Commuting is easier; Traveling long distances faster Pollution Accidents Use of energy

Energy and Power Technology Energy is the ability to do work. Power is the rate at which energy is transformed from one form to another or as the rate at which work can be done. Technological products and systems need energy to function. The availability of energy often determines the development of technology.

Examples of Energy and Power Technology Chemical Energy Gasoline Mechanical Energy Motion Thermal Energy Steam Power Measurement Examples: Horsepower Kilowatt Electrical Energy Electricity Radiant Energy Light Power System Examples: Turbines Portable generators

Impacts of Energy and Power Technology POSITIVE IMPACTS NEGATIVE IMPACTS Without energy and power, most technologies would not exist or work. The overuse of natural resources is a concern of many people.