Teacher’s guide - A
WHAT IS A TECHNOLOGY? 1. SUMMARY In this task, you will start to reflect about the concept of technology, the different stages of the technological process, and the influence of technology on society. At the end, you will produce a presentation about a technology item and present it to class.
2. KEY CONTENTS
Definition of technology;
Stages in the technological process;
The influence of technology on society.
Teacher, ask Ss what they think technology is. Elicit some examples of technological items. Have Ss look at the image of the pen and ask them question “a”. For question “b”, show examples of other methods of writing such as fountain pens, quill pens. Show them pictures. Ask question “c”.
1
Look at this picture and discuss the questions: a. b. c.
What’s this object for? It’s used for writing.
How did we satisfy the same needs before it existed?
We had to use other methods of writing with ink, such as fountain pens or quill pens.
Is it a piece of technology? Why can it be considered technology? Yes, it is. Because it is a solution which improved the process of writing.
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GT5 | Unit 5 | Teacher’s guide - A
Before Ss read, go over the expressions with them and clarify the meaning.
2
Read the text and complete with the phrases from the box.
a series of stages
create a solution
technological evolution
new technology
practical application of knowledge
skills
procedures and resources
Scientific knowledge
technique
satisfy their needs or problems
WHAT IS TECHNOLOGY? Have you ever solved a problem using your knowledge and skills, and following a plan? This is all about technology. practical application
skills of knowledge Technology is the (1) __________________ (science) and (2) __________________ to (3) create a solution __________________ (an object or a technological system) that allows human beings to satisfy their needs a series of stages (4) __________________. The technological process consists of (5) __________________ or problems that lead to the efficient solution to a problem or need. In broad terms, the technological process consists of the following stages:
1. Approach and analysis of needs; 2. Collecting information and analyzing previous cases; 3. Designing the individual idea; 4. Coming together and choosing the best solution; 3
5. Developing solutions; 6. Building and testing; 7. Evaluating and checking. technique When a solution has been found, it is converted into a (6) __________________. This is a skill - something we know how to do and that is used for future technological solutions. technological evolution Scientific knowledge This is the base of (7) __________________. (8) __________________ and its application are needed to obtain an efficient technological solution. The process involves a procedures and resources to obtain a result. combination of (9) __________________
The influence of technology on society We can only understand the history of humanity in terms of the process of evolution within human societies. This process brought about different models of society that each marked a turning point, and all have one thing in common: the change from one kind of new technology society to another has always been the consequence of (10) __________________. This might refer to a new way of working, a new source of energy, a new manufacturing system, etc. SOURCE: http://bitly.ws/hj2U [ADAPTED]
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In groups, discuss the following questions: 1.
What do we use the following objects for?
Pencil: used for writing
Motorcycle: used for commuting
Stove: used for cooking; preparing food
Cell phone: used for calling, accessing the Internet, etc.
2.
What needs do they satisfy?
3.
What other objects satisfy the same needs? Think of two technological objects that satisfy each of these needs: a) Writing pen, computer. etc. b) Commuting / Going from place A to place B car, train, bicycle, etc. c) Cooking microwave oven, etc. d) Communicating telephone, telegram, letter, etc. e) Buying money, debit card, etc.
4
Credit card: used for shopping, etc.
GT5 | Unit 5 | Teacher’s guide - A
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What is technology?
Video: http://bitly.ws/hj2X
Discuss the following with your partner.
Before Ss watch the video, go over the statements with them and ask them to predict the answers.
You’re going to listen to someone talking about the concept of technology. Before you watch, read through the statements below. Do you think they are true or false? 1.
Technology is the application of human knowledge, skills, techniques and ideas.
T
F
2.
When you want to build a house, the architect you hire represents the human knowledge.
T
F
3.
The builders of the house represent the ideas. They represent the skills.
T
F
4.
The carpenters to build the roof of the house represent the technique.
T
F
5.
The civil engineer is the source of ideas.
T
F
6.
Complicated machines that we see today started with simple and basic techniques and ideas which were improved over time and became more complex.
T
F
Now watch the video and check your answers. 5
1
For this task, Ss will work in groups of 3-4. Have a moment of brainstorming with the whole class about several possibilities of research. Beforehand, find some useful websites to indicate for Ss to do their research. E.g. Britannica.
You will create a presentation about a piece of technology. 1.
Choose an object that represents some technology.
2.
Do some research about it looking for:
what problem it solves who first created a technological solution for this problem the origin of such a problem; how solutions for this problem have evolved over time what the current technological device solves this problem
Example: a stove / a cooker
P.S.: you should use illustrations, or video excerpts to enrich your presentations.
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GT5 | Unit 5 | Teacher’s guide - A