Core Technologies Research Project: All in One

Objectives:

1. Examine a technology system with relation to the 9 Core Technologies
2. Apply practical reference skills using a multimedia approach.
3. Design, construct, and present a poster and/or multimedia display.
4. Apply effective teamwork practices.

Using reference materials available to you at home, in the classroom, and in the school library research a designated
technology system with relation to the 9 Core Technologies. Design, construct, and present a poster size display
summarizing your study.

Background:

Technology can be defined as the application of knowledge, tools and skills to solve problems and extend human
capabilities. It has existed from the earliest beginnings of humans and their evolution toward civilized societies. A log
pushed across a stream to make a bridge, a boulder used as a seat, and a stone thrown to kill game are all examples of primitive technology. Our problems today have become more complex but the process of solving them has stayed much the same. Technology is the applied science used to meet these human needs to improve our standard of living. Many of
today’s solutions are dependent upon multiple processes. These processes work together as a system to meet a
common goal.  The complexity of today’s technology systems is easier understood by studying the processes on which
they rely. Currently nine processes are accepted as technology building blocks. These, known as the Core Technologies, are found in all technology systems. Often all nine core technologies have a role in a single system.

Design Parameters:

1. Students will work in groups of 2 or 3 as designated by the instructor.
2. Each group must produce a poster and/or multimedia display that depicts their designated technology system
    with relation to the 9 Core Technologies. The display must not solely rely on text.
3. Each group must present a typed historical summary of their technology system with appropriate bibliography.
4. Each student must keep a daily log and show evidence of their research.
5. Two different electronic resources and at least one book or periodical should be used as reference.

1. What do you know about systems?
2. What do you know about each of the 9 Core Technologies?
3. What is the purpose of your technology system? What problem is solved?
4. What key inventions or innovations led to your technology system? Who is primarily responsible for the
    development of your technology system? When did  it first evolve?
5. What do you know about the function of your system and it’s components? (how does your system work? )
6. How does your system improve the standard of living and extend human    capabilities?
7. What impacts, positive or negative, has your system had on society, the environment, and the global
    economy?

• What materials make up your technology system? How are they acquired?
•  Does the production, function, or output of your system involve wavelengths of light or sound?
•  Does the production, function, or output of your system involve heat energy?
•  Does the production, function, or output of your system involve gases or liquids?
•  Does the production, function, or output of your system involve biological processes or organisms needed to meet its desired goal? Do the impacts of your system account for these?
•  Is the production control or transmission of motion a fundamental aspect of the production, function, or output of your system?
•  Is electricity required for your system to function completely? Is it used in small  controlled amounts?
• What shape is your system? Does this impact the desired outcome?

All computers in the library can access the Media Center's Electronic Card Catalog.  It is located on the Global Access Menu under Media Center Programs.  The Catalog identifies all the holdings (books, etc.) of the WJHS Media Center.  It is also possible to search for materials on the MCPS Library Catalog Online.  Be sure to set the limits of your search to Walter Johnson HS only.

If you wish to expand your research use this link to Other Libraries.  This link provides direct
connections to the Montgomery County Public Library system, as well as libraries at NIH,
University of Maryland, the Library of Congress and others.

  For this assignment, the following call numbers will be helpful:

503   539.7   600   603   609   621.38   623.4   623.8   629.2   643

Walter Johnson’s Learning Research Hub provides access to a catalog of all books and materials located in the Media Center, and to a  wide variety of general and subject-based online reference materials.
The links below provide useful research tools for this project.
 
 

General Resources* Encyclopedia, Almanacs, Dictionaries, Atlases Science Resources*

* When using GaleNet select:  DISCovering Science

Use the following Internet Sites for information on this project.  If you discover other useful Internet sites complete the Internet Checklist (copies available in Media Center) to authenticate the site.

How Things Work #1

How Things Work #2

How Stuff Works!

The MAD Scientist Network

At Sea glossary

Radio and Television History Sites

Media References Source and Information

Film and Television Study

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

Hydroelectric Energy

History of the Rideau Canal

Delaware and Hudson Canal

History of the Canal System of the State of New York

The Telescope

HOW TO BUILD A TELESCOPE

Parts of the Microscope

History of the Light Microscope

History of Computing

History of Computers Links

Pacemaker, Artificial

How pacemakers work and why they're needed

Artificial pacemakers

Understanding Pacemakers

The First Liquid Fuel Rocket

Rocket Propulsion

How the Steam Engine Works

Design of a Forklift and its Lifting Mechanism

All About Pumps:  Internet Glossary of Pumps