Core Concepts ofTechnologies

Review of the core technologies and practice identifying examples

Materials Technology Terms

• Metal: any of a class of elementary substances which are crystalline when solid

• Alloys: a substance composed of two or more metals, or of metals with a nonmetal

• Nonmetals: an element not having the character of a metal

• Composites: made up of disparate or separate parts or elements; compound or mix

• Biomaterials: a synthetic material, usually a plastic, suitable for implanting in a living body to repair damaged or diseased parts

• Mechanical• Electrical• Electronic• Structural• Fluid• Optical• Thermal• Biotechnology• Materials

What technologies are used here?

Try to• Analyze a technology system and focus on

its function and application.• Identify the problem that the technology

system solves.• List the resources (core technologies) you

recognize in the technology system.

Looking at how core technologies are used:

• This is a radio.

Bad Example

A radio is used to listen to music. It solves the problem of having to hear things. It’s an example of electronic technology .

Better Example

A radio is used to receive communication wirelessly. It solves the problem of music that is far away. It’s circuits are an example of electronic and electrical technologies.

Best Example

A radio is used to receive communication wirelessly. It solves the problem of listening to music from far away.

Turning the dial uses mechanical technology. You turn the dial to change the station. It’s circuits represent electronic technology because they are used for communicating information. It uses power from electricity or electrical technology. The case is made of a man-made materials. The case was designed to be strong and durable (structural technology)

• This is a crane.• Analyze the technology system, focus on its function and application.• Identify the problem that the technology system solves.• A crane is used to lift and place heavy objects.• List the resources (core technologies) you recognize in the technology system.• Mechanical: movement• Electrical: uses power to move• Electronic: control and safety systems• Structural: must be strong, reinforced• Fluid: pneumatics for heavy lifting• Optical: probably used in control systems • Materials: strong beams and cables

• Identify the problem that the technology system solves.• List the resources (core technologies) you recognize in the

technology system.

Choose one more object

• Choose something that uses MANY different technologies

• Analyze the problem it solves• List how it uses as many core technologies as

you can think of