What is Technology?
Youth consider the definition of technology as any thing or process humans (engineers) design to solve a problem.
Guiding Question
What is technology and how can it solve problems?
TimingSetup
The Educator Guide has a script, materials list, and prep directions. Be sure to have it open and ready to help guide you through every activity.
- Post the Engineering Design Process poster.
- Copy and cut out the Technology Match Cards, Educator Guide pp. 13–23: one for each student or group.
- Watch and prepare to play the Engineering Everywhere Special Report video (9:51).
Related Video
Engineering Everywhere Special Report: Remote Sensing
Youth Will Know
- A technology is any thing designed by humans to solve a problem.
- Engineers design and improve technologies.
- There are always opportunities to improve existing technologies.
Youth Will Do
- Match technologies based on the problem they solve.
- Imagine ways to improve the newer versions of technologies.
Did you know?
People can turn almost any thing into technology, if they use it to solve a problem. A rock can be used to grind corn or shaped into an arrowhead.
Quick Tips
- Don’t skip the video! It sets the stage for the entire unit.
- If youth are not familiar with the technologies on the cards, have them work in groups to figure out the pairs together.