Virtual Lesson Course: Inventions

Designer:

Duke Longman

Summary:

This module is designed to conduct a project with grade 9 Technology Education. The students will conduct research to determine how technology inventors/innovators and their inventions/innovations have contributed to the development of their communities and, subsequently, the world. The research findings will be eventually published on a web 2.0 tool (wiki). The inspiration for this lesson is derived from the CyberFair 2011 project (http://www.globalschoolnet.org/gsncf/index.cfm) “which is designed to challenges youth to publish original research projects that focus on how the positive actions and contributions of their local citizens have the power to improve, preserve and unite their community”. Standards for this project are taken from the Maryland State Department of Education:Technology Education Curriculum (2005).

Subject:

Grade level:

State:

County:

Technology Education

9

Maryland

Prince Georges County (I am not currently teaching)

Proposed Topic and Rationale:

Topic: Technological Inventions/Innovations

Rationale: This module is designed to allow students in Technology Education classes to develop expertise about the history of technological evolution in their local communities. I believe that this idea will provide the ideal opportunity for students to improve their Technology Education skills and simultaneously meet the standards from the Maryland Technology Education Curriculum, as well as, the ISTE (2007), NETS standards for student(http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-student-standards-2007.aspx). A further purpose is to allow students to understand some of the negative consequences of some of some major inventions. Peters, L., (2009), made reference to the recent introduction of a car in India “priced for $2.500, allowing millions of Indians to drive for the first time, causing untold additional pollution an likely increase global warming” (p. 84). This project would be an excellent way for students to develop a different perspective about technology and learn about the positive or negative impact on the environment.

Prior Knowledge:

·        Technology education students had previous lesson on technology invention and innovations. Students are also familiar with many engineering feats such as suspensing bridges, skysrapers, dams and tunnels that have been created as a result of technological innovations.

·        Students understand how to take and upload pictures of landmarks and identify particular technology used to create the landmarks.

·        Students know how to use technology to prepare multimedia presentations to express learning.

·        Technology education students frequently engage in practical activities in which tools and materials are use to create a useful product.

·        Students also undersatnd that waste is often produced when a product or technological component is manufactured.