Science [Physics] in Technology Education

  • Technology Education is defined as using tools and machines to process materials in order to solve a problem.

    The curriculum of Technology Education has been grouped nationally [in the United States] the following way:

    STEM

    Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

    What is STEM Education?

    STEM refers to the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM initiatives started as a way to promote education in these related areas so that students would be prepared to study STEM fields in college and pursue STEM-related careers. Schools with a strong emphasis on STEM education often integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into the entire curriculum.

    On a given school day, students benefitting from an education that integrates STEM into the learning process may collaborate on an interactive white board, use a simulation program to graph and model formulas through spreadsheets to learn algorithms, manipulate molecules to understand reactions, use handheld devices to collect and analyze data to solve real-world environmental problems, or use sophisticated technology to understand the connections between music and mathematics.

    Why STEM Education is

    Important

    Students need an education with a solid foundation in STEM areas so that they are prepared to both work and live in the 21st Century. Since the 1960s, the demand for skills has changed significantly – the demand for routine manual task skills have decreased, while the demand for non-routine interactive task skills have increased significantly.1 Workforce projections for 2014 by the U.S. Department of Labor show that 15 of the 20 fastest growing occupations require significant science or mathematics training to successfully compete for a job.2 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, professional information technology (IT) jobs will increase 24% between 2006 and 2016.3 However, as jobs requiring a solid background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are growing – more students are choosing not to major in these areas.

    Science, Technology, English, and Mathematics National Standards as how they pertain to Technology Education [including the Science of Physics]

    NS.K-4.5 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    As a result of activities in grades K-4, all students should develop

    • Abilities of technological design 
    • Understanding about science and technology 
    • Abilities to distinguish between natural objects and objects made by humans

    NS.5-8.2 PHYSICAL SCIENCE

    As a result of their activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding

    • Properties and changes of properties in matter 
    • Motions and forces 
    • Transfer of energy

    NS.5-8.5 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop

    • Abilities of technological design 
    • Understandings about science and technology

    NS.9-12.2 PHYSICAL SCIENCE

    As a result of their activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop an understanding of

    • Structure of atoms 
    • Structure and properties of matter 
    • Chemical reactions 
    • Motions and forces 
    • Conservation of energy and increase in disorder 
    • Interactions of energy and matter

    NS.9-12.5 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop

    • Abilities of technological design 
    • Understandings about science and technology

    NT.K-12.1 BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS

    • Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems. 
    • Students are proficient in the use of technology.

    NT.K-12.2 SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES

    • Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology. 
    • Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software. 
    • Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.

    NT.K-12.3 TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS

    • Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. 
    • Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.

    NT.K-12.4 TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATION TOOLS

    • Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences. 
    • Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.

    NT.K-12.5 TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH TOOLS

    • Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources. 
    • Students use technology tools to process data and report results. 
    • Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks.

    NT.K-12.6 TECHNOLOGY PROBLEM-SOLVING AND DECISION-MAKING TOOLS

    • Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions. 
    • Students employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world.

     

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