STANDARD 8.2: Technological Literacy

STANDARD 8.2 (TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION) ALL STUDENTS WILL DEVELOP AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURE AND IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN, AND THE DESIGNED WORLD AS THEY RELATE TO THE INDIVIDUAL, SOCIETY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

Descriptive Statement: The following indicators are based on the Standards for Technological Literacy (STL, 2000) and support the National Academy of Engineering’s (2002) call for students to gain technological literacy. Students will be expected to understand the various facets of technology and the design process. They will analyze and evaluate design options and then apply the design process to solve problems. A systems perspective is employed to emphasize the interconnectedness of all knowledge and the impact of technology and technological change. Students will be expected to use technology as it applies to physical systems, biological systems, and information and communication systems. The intent at the elementary and middle school levels is that all students develop technological literacy and are prepared for the option of further study in the field of technology education. At the elementary level, the foundation for technology education is found in the science standards, particularly standards 5.2 and 5.4.

Cumulative Progress Indicators

Building upon knowledge and skills gained in preceding grades, by the end of Grade 12, students electing courses in technology education may:

A. Nature and Impact of Technology

1. Use appropriate data to discuss the full costs, benefits and trade-offs, and risks related to the use of technologies.

2. Explain how technological development is affected by competition through a variety of management activities associated with planning, organizing, and controlling the enterprise.

3. Provide various examples of how technological developments have shaped human history.

B. Design Process and Impact Assessment

1. Analyze a given technological product, system, or environment to understand how the engineering design process and design specification limitations influenced the final solution.

2. Evaluate the function, value, and appearance of technological products, systems, and environments from the perspective of the user and the producer.

3. Develop methods for creating possible solutions, modeling and testing solutions, and modifying proposed design in the solution of a technological problem using hands-on activities.

4. Use a computer assisted design (CAD) system in the development of an appropriate design solution.

5. Diagnose a malfunctioning product and system using appropriate critical thinking methods.

6. Create a technological product, system, or environment using given design specifications and constraints by applying design and engineering principles.

C. Systems in the Designed World

1. Explain the life cycle of a product from initial design to reuse, recycling, remanufacture, or final disposal, and its relationship to people, society, and the environment, including conservation and sustainability principles.

2. Analyze the factors that influence design of products, systems, and environments.

3. Compare and contrast the effectiveness of various products, systems, and environments associated with technological activities in energy, transportation, manufacturing, and information and communication.

Link to Standard 8.2 5-8

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