Introduction to Engineering and Technology Concepts Unit One Chapter One – What is Technology?

Instructions for Success: Each chapter of every unit will begin with a “Mindjog.” This is a warm up question that you should answer in your workbook in the proper chapter. Please take notes as you move through the presentations in the notebook that has been provided. Sections will come up in each presentation with an assignment notice. Turn to the section detailed on the slide in your workbook and complete the assignment before proceeding. Good luck!

Objective Students will generate definitions for the term “technology” and will develop an understanding of the nature of technology.

Mindjog! On your worksheet, please respond to the following question: “In your own words, please define the term technology.”

Definition of Technology Consider what you wrote for the “Mindjog’s” answer. Now, have a look at the accepted definition of technology: Technology – humans using objects to change the natural and manmade environment (Wright, 2004).

The Subject of Technology It is important to note that technology has heavy roots in natural scientific laws, such as gravity. That technology developed in one area of the world and/or point in time was developed because of that group’s needs and wants. If that technology is transferred to another group, it can change the culture, society, economics, and politics of said group. That technology will go through constant evolutions, but that earlier technology was based on technological know-how, not science itself…as we will see in this first Chapter (Wright, 2004).

Think about this… Some people consider technology to be computers and other high-end products. In truth, technology can be anything from the pen in your hand to the computer you are working on. All technology has FOUR basic features (Wright, 2004).

Four Features of Technology Technology is human knowledge. Technology uses tools, materials, and systems. Any application of technology results in artifacts and other outputs. Technology is developed by people to modify or control the environment (Wright, 2004).

Other Outputs? On the last slide, it was stated that one of the features of technology is the result of other outputs. What does this mean? First, if artifacts are human-made things, then the other outputs are the leftovers. These outputs can include things like pollution and scrap (Wright, 2004).

Dynamics! Think about a piece of technology that has changed dramatically over the years. Consider video games…they used to be basic dots and squares with beeps and noises; now they are interactive three dimensional worlds with special effects and orchestrated music. What does this mean?

Dynamics (continued)! It means that technology is constantly changing and evolving. This means that technology, by nature, is a dynamic process. Technology is changing and it also causes change (Wright, 2004).

Assignment #1 Please turn to the section in your workbook entitled, “Unit 1, Chapter One – What is Technology?” Complete the extension questions under the “Assignment #1” header before moving onto the next section of slides.

BEFORE MOVING ON: Did you complete the “Assignment #1” Section under the “Unit 1, Chapter One – What is Technology” section of your workbook? If you have, please proceed to the next slide.

Technology’s Evolution We have already established that technology is dynamic. The earliest piece of technology has been around as long as humanity has walked this Earth – 2.5 million years ago! (Wright, 2004). Can you guess what it is? The first piece of technology was A ROCK!

Technology’s Evolution (continued) How is a rock a piece of technology? While not manmade, a rock makes our life easier. Technology can also be defined as anything that makes a human’s life easier. Our decedents used this early technology for cutting and pounding (Wright, 2004).

The Timeline The evolution of technology can be divided up into seven “ages.” They are: The Stone Age The Bronze Age The Iron Age The Middle Ages Renaissance The Industrial Revolution The Information Age (Wright, 2004).

The Stone Age The earliest period of technology occurred between 1,000,000 and 3,000 B.C. Important technologies used and invented during this time include: stone tools, cave paintings, pottery, and fire (Wright, 2004). Populations became more productive, meaning that more people could live in a given area (Wright, 2004).

The Bronze Age The bronze age lasted 3000 – 1200 B.C. As populations grew, new technology was needed to support the masses. Copper was discovered, melted down with other ores to produce the strong metal known as bronze. Technologies invented include: copper and bronze tools, smelting, frescoes, writing, paper, ink, and irrigation systems for agriculture (Wright, 2004).

The Iron Age The Iron Age began in 1200 B.C. and ended in 1300 A.D. Iron and steel became the primary source for creating technology, due to its lower cost in comparison to copper and bronze. The iron age saw the development of iron tools, furnaces, aqueducts, body armor, ox-drawn plows, spinning wheel, windmill, the alphabet, and coins (Wright, 2004).

The Middle Ages The Middle Ages lasted from 500 – 1500 A.D. The Middle Ages saw the advent of the printing press, magnetic compass, paper money, and waterwheel (Wright, 2004).

The Renaissance Age The Renaissance lasted from 1300 – 1600 A.D. This period is known for being a time for advancements in art, literature, history, and other socio-cultural subjects. Technologies included the telescope, hydraulic press, and the calculating machine (Wright, 2004).

Industrial Revolution (continued) The revolution excelled due to the process of manufacturing: Manufacturing sees longer lasting machines due to the use of interchangeable parts. Jobs are divided to different workers. Machines now bring work to the workers. The emergence of “management.” (Wright, 2004)

The Information Age The Information Age is happening all around us. The technologies include the desktop computer, robots, solar energy, cell research, satellites, and lasers. (Wright, 2004)

Information Age (continued) This period has several characteristics: Wide use of automated machines and information-processing equipment. High demand for trained positions. The line between management and workers becomes blurred. There is constant, job-related training for improving and keeping workers. (Wright, 2004)

What Age is Next?! Be assured that our current technologies will be improved upon. This will bring about a whole new age!

Assignment #2 Please turn to the section in your workbook entitled, “Unit 1, Chapter One – What is Technology?” Complete the extension questions under the “Assignment #2” header before moving onto the next section of slides.

BEFORE MOVING ON: Did you complete the “Assignment #2” Section under the “Unit 1, Chapter One – What is Technology” section of your workbook? If you have, please proceed to the next slide.

Chapter One Completed! Please close this presentation and launch the file entitled, “Chapter 2 – Technology as a System.”

References Wright, R. (2004) “Technology” The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.