UNIT 1: TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES
1. -WHAT IS TECHNOLOGY? Technology produces objects and systems to solve our problems and satisfy our needs. Technology is the practical application of knowledge (science) and skill (techniques) to create solutions.
KEY WORDS
Develop: Become or make more advanced. Properties: Characteristics of components.
The relationship between science and technology is strong. For example, to make a lens we can need to know the operation of the human eye and the light properties. Once the first basic lens was invented, it helped to improve our understanding of the eyes and the light. The process of planning a technological solution: Need
Idea
Develop the idea
Construction
Check
The solution becomes the technique. This is how technology develops. The elements of technological processes are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Knowledge of physical and scientific concepts. Technical drawing to transmit the idea of an object. Materials and their properties. Working techniques. Economic considerations.
1. 1-THE STAGES OF TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES To show the different stages we will analyse a practical example. Each stage requires various actions: Need Idea
Develop the idea Construction Check Ø
Analyse the need or problem Study similar cases and their solutions Propose one or several solutions Agree and choose the best solutions Prepare plans and measurements Choose the necessary tools, materials. Prepare a time frame and plan the construction Construct and test Evaluate Write the final report
Proposal and need for analysis What is the need or problem? A precise definition helps you creating a specific and appropriate solution.
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UNIT 1: TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES
Summarise and analyse the background KEY WORDS o Find information about previous solutions to this type of problem. Previous: From before. o Consider technical aspects that could affect the project. Topic: Subject. Relevant: Important or o Classify and select the data that is most useful. useful, connected to the o Order this information systematically in topics. topic. o Make a note of relevant practical details related to the data. Definitive: Final Ø Design an individual idea After you have found and analysed all the information, you can start to design: o Use existing models and draw possible variations to adapt them to your needs. o Explore the possibility of using new materials. Ø Agree and choose the best solution Sometimes we like our own design; sometimes we prefer our classmate’s design. The question is: How do we choose? o You can create a table to help choosing the best design. o You can combine the positive aspects of several designs to make the definitive product. Ø Construct the design o Before constructing the object, decide how to make each piece. o If something appears difficult to do, find its solution first. o Draw the pieces in the order you are going to make them. Ø Evaluate and check o Appearance o Use o Materials o Durability o Safety Ø
1. 2-ACTIVITIES 1. 2.
3.
4.
5.
Think of a technological object and explain its relationship with science in the same way you have read in the example before. Are these words positive or negative? Overexploit waste optimize spoil recycle improve Write a sentence using each word. You can also use other words such as: oil, coal, resource, time, plastic, work, countryside, city, etc. Are these statements true or false? Explain why in each case. a) Technology contributes to the development of science. b) Coal and oil are unlimited natural resources. c) The invention of the atomic bomb has been good for humanity. Copy these needs and give two examples of technological objects that are used to satisfy them: a. Listening to music b. Making furniture c. Communicating Design and draw an object that could be used to protect our eyes from sun. Compare your design with your partner’s.
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UNIT 1: TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES
2. -THE TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP Where can we do our projects? What is the difference between the technology workshop and our normal classroom? In a normal classroom we usually learn the theory about a subject, but in the technology workshop we can do our projects.
2. 1-ORGANISATION OF WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES In our classroom there are some people that have some responsibilities such as: Ø Ø Ø Ø
The coordinator is responsible for organizing the work of each group member to achieve efficient teamwork. The person responsible for the material collects the material needed for the job and is also in charge of recycling leftover material. The person responsible for health and safety makes sure that the group follows the health and safety rules in the workshop and when using tools. The person in charge of cleaning makes sure each Workstation is left completely clean.
2. 2-TECHNOLOGY, SOCIETY AND THE ENVIRONMENT Technology and society work together: technology responds to society’s need and it helps society to develop. Technological development has many advantages, but it also creates a series of problems: Ø Ø Ø
Resources are overexploited. Pollution gases are produced. Toxic waste is produced.
Nowadays technology doesn’t only have to optimize materials and time, we also have to find a sustainable development so that the advantages of industrial products are available to all human beings without damaging the environment.
2. 3-HEALTH AND SAFETY RULES To protect our health we have to follow rules when we are in the workshop. Tools and machines can be dangerous if we don’t use them properly. Safety rules prevent accidents and reduce the risk of hurting ourselves. To prevent accidents in the workshop, you must always follow your teacher’s instructions.
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KEY WORDS Leftover: Part of something that has not been used. Overexploit: Use something too much. Health: Condition of a person’s body or mind. Workstation: Place or table where you work.
UNIT 1: TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES
Types of sings:
2. 4-ACTIVITIES 1.
What signs might be seen in the places below? a. A building site b. A school corridor c. A hospital or medical centre
2.
Draw the following sings: a. Use a helmet b. Danger of fire c. First aid equipment
3.
Copy and complete these sentences about health and safety. Compare your ideas with your partner. a. b. c. d.
You You You You
must keep your hands clean and dry because….. mustn’t wear rings or necklaces because….. mustn’t make too much noise because….. must keep your Workstation clean and tidy because…..
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