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.
- Print and post the EDP Poster.
- Get the Message from the Duo ready.
- Fill 2 deli containers with water.
- Set up a Materials Table.
- Measure out a 15 ft distance on the floor for the “Send a Message” activity.
- Create 2 model plants (Educator Guide p. 10).
Listen Up!
A Message from the Duo
Youth Will Know
Anything designed by humans to solve problems is a technology.
Youth Will Do
Engage in an engineering design challenge using an Engineering Design Process (EDP).
Did you know?
Engineers designed pens for astronauts that can write in extreme temperatures, zero gravity, and under water. Normal pens rely on gravity for the ink to flow, and pencil graphite breaks into tiny sharp pieces that float around in space.
Quick Tips
- Find an alternative version of this activity at www.engineeringadventures.org/resources
- Problems #1 and #2 are the most difficult. Problem #3 is the easiest
- In wrapping up, identify each step of the EDP used in the activity