1. Core Concepts of Technology
Unit 2

2. Standards for Technological Literacy
I can….
Explain the core concepts of technology.
Explain the relationship among technologies.
Explain the connection between technology and other fields of study.
Explain the use of medical technologies.

3. Designed World
Consists of all the modifications that humans have made to the natural world to satisfy their own needs and wants.

4. 7 Categories of the Designed World
Medical technology
Agricultural/biotechnology
Information and communication technology
Transportation
Energy and power
Manufacturing
Construction

5. Class Discussion: Impact of I&I
Briefly discuss with your table partner the impact of the technology that you researched.

6. Review of Systems
Group of interrelated components designed collectively to achieve a goal.
Consists of an input, process, output and at times feedback.

7. Example: Electrical System at House
Input – electricity
Process-electricity converted to light in the filament
Output-light
Feedback – no light? Bulb burned out.

8. Systems work together to make technology work.
Common systems are:
Mechanical
Fluid
Electrical
Thermal
Chemical

9. Types of Systems
Open-loop: has no feedback and requires human intervention
Ex. Home stereo system
Closed-loop: uses feedback
Ex. Electrical timer

10. Basic Technological Resources
Tools and machines
Materials
Information
Energy
Capital
Time
People

11. Criteria and Constraints
Requirements placed on systems and products.
Ex. American Electrical Systems – wired to use consumer products that operate on volts.

12. Optimization
Making a product, process or system as functional as possible.
Ex. House wiring circuit – should consist of an “optimal” number of outlets.

13. Processes
Systematic sequence of actions used to combine resources to produce an output.
Ex. Designing – applying creative skills in the development of an invention or innovation.
Other processes: maintenance, management and assessment.

14. Troubleshooting
Used when a system fails in order to find the source of the problem and fix it.

15. Controls
The mechanisms or activities that use information to cause a system to change.
Ex. Light switch

16. Components of Transportation Systems
Structural
Propulsion
Suspension
Guidance
Control
Support

17. Independent Assignment
Research and explain the systems and subsystems found in transportation vehicles. Each person at your table will report on one of the following:
1. Car
2. Train
3. Airplane
4. Motorcycle