History of Technology

Grade Focus

Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9

Age Level

10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Subject

Art, Business, Computers, Geography, History, Literature, Math, Science, Social Studies, Vocational Arts

Technology Integration Activity

Discovering the Internet, PowerPoint Presentations, Video Productions

Estimated Time of Completion

5-7 days

Introduction

Students will explore the history of technology by looking at the progression of tools, resources, etc.  They will be required to research one of the “Ages,” create a poster, podcast, & PowerPoint presentation, and write a short expose of the time period. 

Prerequisite Experience

An understanding of the technology elements and the use f resources in the creation process.

1. The major “Ages” that extend human potential
2. How tools, resources, and technology have advanced since pre-historic times
3. Major inventions/ technology from each of the “Ages”

Teacher Prep Time

The teacher is responsible for securing all resources through the school technology department and library.  Please try layout the the grouping based on the numbers, and creat a model for presentation, while engaging students.  Allow for the proper space to work efficiently! Analyze and account for all program loading, and technology transitions.  Pre-set the materials for student needs.

Internet, poster board, text book, markers, colored pencils, rubric, “Research Sheet”; Ipods, Ipod Touch, e-reader, e-book, kindle, recording headphones, ipod recorder

Project

1. Research a given “Age,” completing a written research sheet (handout)
2. Write a summary of assigned “Age” (includes info from the research sheet)
3. Create a poster highlighting main aspects of given “Age” (rubric …INCLUDE P.P.P)
4. Share poster with class
5. Use Microsoft programs: Ms Word/Publisher/PowerPoint
6. Take a quiz on information from other students’ presentation
7. Evaluate the History of Technology through the ages, and identify the Pro’s & Con’s of the technological advances impact on society.
8. Utilize technological devices to enhance presentations such as Pocasts, and other audio/visual devices

Assessment/Grading

Time Management Tips

Procedure:

Part I:  Introduction/ assign groups/ Internet reliable sites  

1. Tell students that they will be researching the history of technology and how inventions have improved with time and human innovation. 
2. Let students know that they will be working in teams to research a particular period in technology-history, creating a presentation of that information, and sharing it with the class.
3. Read pp26-27 of Technology in Action aloud.  Discuss. 
4. Assign teams.  Assign topics.   
5. Discuss roles within teams.  Tell students that each member MUST have a roll.  
   1. Researcher (can be two persons)- researches/ locates information on the Internet, using reliable sites
   2. Recorder/Summarizer- records/ writes down the information that the Researcher finds.  The Recorder/Summarizer also summarizes the information in one paragraph
   3. Designer- plans and designs the poster, relaying ideas with Technician.  Provides the Technician with clear directions for seeking material pertaining to layout of the poster or Powerpoint.  The designer is only formatting a layout.  All members will participate in the final product.    
   4. Technician/ Taskmaster- helps the team remain on task by keeping members aware of expectations.  The Technician also locates pictures on the Internet, types the summary, and provides any other technical assistance requested by the Designer.  He should consistently provide information to the Designer as it is updated by the Researcher and Recorder.   
6. Discuss Internet-reliable sites and how to conduct research.  Pass out “Research sheet.” 

Part II:  Research and Design time Part III:  Let’s POSTER baby! Part IV:  Put it all together!

Part V:  Time to Share!

1. Teams will present information to class. 
2. Observing students will take a group-made quiz on the information just presented

Assessment

1. Each group will prepare a quiz of no more than 10 (multiple-choice, matching or true/false) questions to give to the class after their presentation. 
2. Group members are responsible for grading and returning the quiz to teacher.
3. In order to prepare for Research and Development of Manufacturing Goods, we will create and take an Online Survey to gain the comparative results. Then discuss the results on the class Wikispace