1-3 Science and TechnologyTechnology is something that changes the natural world to meet the needs of humans or solve a problemThe goal of technology is to improve the way of lifeThere are many areas of technology

1. Transportation : the movement of people or goods from place to places has changed significantly from the 17th century from bicycles, trains, cars, airplanes, to autonomous cars

2. Communication : the way that we exchange information has been transformed from cave paintings, telegraphs, telephones, to text messaging and video

3. Manufacturing : the process of producing goods has moved from handmade items to massed production of large quantities of goods and currently the production of goods through 3-D printing

4. Biological/Chemical: the genetic and chemical manipulation of components started with the introduction of yeast to make bread by the Egyptians to modern day genetic modifications to increase food production or pharmaceuticals (medicines)

5. Energy/Power: the processes that have been used to create energy have expanded from animal power, to nonrenewable resources like coal and

natural gas, and now to renewable resources like wind, water, and solar.

6. Construction : the process of creating structures began with primitive mud huts and stone monoliths (Stonehenge) which has been refined over time to create skyscrapers, sewer systems, and flood prevention.

As the needs for societies changed, so did the advancements in technology

A.Industrial Revolution: 1760 to 1820a. Agricultural societies became

more urban due to new manufacturing processes

b. Transportation of goods expanded by using steamships and railroads

B.Agricultural Revolution: 1930 to 1960a. New farming equipment, better

drainage systems, and crop rotation are noted reasons for this period

C.Green Revolution:1945 to 1975a. Noted for an increase in crop

production due to pesticides, fertilizers, and high-yield crops

D.Digital Revolution: 1950 to presenta. A shift from mechanical

technology to electronics

b. Starting with gaming consoles and digital cameras to Bluetooth and social media, moving into virtual reality

E.Information Revolution: 1960 to present

a. The availability of information and ways to disseminate information has moved from “snail mail”, radio, and television to computers and personal devices

F.What will be next????How does technology play a role in Science?

A.Scientific devices are more accurate today than ever.

a. Computers are able to process large amounts of data in very small periods of time

B.Models are able to help in predicting events.

C.Communicating data is possible in real-time

D. What will be nextModels are used in science for many reasons:

1. Objects/systems are too biga. Scientists make observations about

objects or systems that are too vast to completely view all aspects that are being studied

b. Examples: Scientists usei. Globes and maps to

comprehend the Earth’s

surface or placement on the Earth. We are only able to observe a small area of the Earth where we are standing but when we use models like globes and maps, scientist can compare larger areas

ii. Our solar system: to look into the night sky we cannot appreciate the Earth’s position in our Solar System. Scientist use models of the planets and Sun to explain the interactions. Models of the Earth, Sun, and Moon can help to explain why the moon has phases or creates tides in our ocean.

2. Objects/systems are too smalla. Scientists make observations about

objects or systems that are too small to be seen with the human eye.

i. Most of the living organisms are microscopic. So how do we know that they exist? We use technology (microscopes) to see organisms like bacteria and protists or to look at even smaller components such as a cell. High powered microscopes are required to view these types of objects. High powered microscopes

are very expensive, but scientist use models to represent what is seen under a microscope to help explain how a very small organism or component of an organism look. Cell models are just one example of creating a visual example of something that most people may never see.

3. Objects/systems are too detailed.a. Scientist make observations about specific parts of an

object or system. i. Think about this school building and all the parts

that make up what we know as Independence Middle School. There are structures that can move and others that are stationary. How many materials are combined to create the building structure and classrooms? If we were trying to study the electrical system of the building and had to look at all of the aspects that make-up the building, we would get very confused. Just looking at the wiring in the walls would mean that we have to take into account drywall, paint, pipes for heating and cooling, windows and doors, outlets and switches, chalkboards/smartboards/whiteboards, cabinets and sinks….the list goes on and on. Instead, if we are studying the electrical systems of the school building, we could use a model in the form of a diagram or schematic that only identifies the wiring components. This model simplifies what we are studying and isolates systems to help us focus on only what they need to observe.

4. Objects/systems are too dangerousa. Scientists make observations about areas of the world

that are not easily accessible or are very dangerous to enter.

i. Think about the weather and natural disasters. Scientists study hurricanes and tornadoes by making observations, but a person is not able to enter the center of a tornado and survive using current methods. Scientist use technology to gather data that is then entered into computer programs to help predict when a tornado will likely develop. The computer programs/ simulations are examples of models that help scientists.

Notice that when we identified different reasons why we use models, I identified different types of models as well.

1. 3-D models are a miniature or enlarged replica of an object or system i.e. globes and cell models

2. 2-D models are pictures or drawings that represent an object or system i.e. maps or schematics

3. Computer simulations are digital designs that are often interactive i.e. Doppler Radars and car accident simulations