OVERVIEW: Though we often don't realize it, a major part of our lives is spent using technological products and processes. From driving to school each day in an automobile to winning your favorite video game, the technological seems always present. Rarely do we think about what makes these work and how they might affect us and the environment. Whether a nuclear reactor, a Sony walkman, or a baseball bat, most people don't reflect on such things; we just use them. This project will be your opportunity to look more closely at a technology of your choice.

SELECTING A TOPIC: You must choose a technology and collect a variety of information on it. Your choice should be a technological process--a way of applying science to achieve a practical end--or a technological product (nuclear power plant, microwave, pencil, or a toaster). You can be creative in selecting your topic, but be sure you can find SUFFICIENT INFORMATION on your topic. BEWARE OF A TOPIC TOO COMPLEX OR TECHNICAL!

TOSHIBA PROJECT COMPETITION: This project will be done in preparation for the Toshiba/Exploravision National Competition. Students who are invited to participate will work in groups to further explore a technology to submit from Ravenscroft. All participants receive a gift, and national prizes reach $5,000 to $10,000. Though every student must complete his/her own project, you may want to choose a topic similar to a friend's so that later you can work together on this.

PROJECT FORMAT: Below is a list of the various parts of your technology project.

DRAWING/MODEL: This must be a neat, legible illustration of all major parts of your
product...fully labelled. If you choose to produce a model be certain all components are labelled in a clear manner.

HOW IT WORKS: This should be a thorough explanation of the processes of your technology, including any energy it requires, how it accomplishes its purpose, and what the end product is. Example: how does the toaster take electric energy and convert it to heat, brown bread on both sides, pop up the toast and adjust the temperature? Your explanation of how it works must be clearly explained in language that even a teacher can understand. Mr. Joyner will grade this portion in science.

GLOSSARY: Define in understandable language all of the technical and non-technical terms needed to understand the processes and effects of your technology (minimum of 10)

DATA COLLECTION: Collect data on some aspect of the use of your technology by you, your family or the community in which you live. The data must be collected at home, by surveying friends or others, and then collected and presented in a manner that is clear and fully interpreted. Charts, graphs, or percentage tables are usually appropriate; it is acceptable to use raw data that you obtain from an approved source. Mrs. Cameron will provide guidance and grading in Math classes.

HISTORICAL DATA: Research and explain fully what technologies or activities were used prior to your technology, and what research led to the development of your technology. The idea is to explain what came before (a fire or brick oven before a toaster) and what led to it (electricity, Edison, Geneeral Electric, etc.). Mr. Greenberg will provide assistance in S.S.

BENEFITS TO THE SOCIETY AND THE INDIVIDUAL: How has this item helped to improve the quality of life-health, ease of life, efficiency, environment,etc--of the individual and the society at large. Be sure to consider personal issues of health comfort, and recreation as well as societal issues of environment and community well-being.

COSTS TO THE INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETY: What has the product cost the user, and how does it harm the society at large? Here it is important to see that costs can be economic (natural resources, loss of employment, environmental damage) and social (effects on family, lifestyle, stress, the elderly, etc.) The T.V., for example, has been accused of having negative and positive social effects: do we learn from it, or does it make us passive couch potatoes?
Research using periodicals is most valuable in this area.

FUTURE TECHNOLOGY: Based upon scientific information, historical trends and costs and benefits, how will this technology change in the next twenty years? Do you think breakthroughs will occur to change it, will it remain the same, or will it become obsolete?

PERSONAL THOUGHTS: After considering all of the above, what do you think? Has your attitude changed? Is the technology a good use of the earth's resources? Is it a benefit to the society?

SOURCES: SIX sources, minimum, with complete bibliographic information. No more than 2 encyclopedias. See Mrs. Streamo for form/aid.

MAXIMUM LENGTH: 12 PAGES SECTIONS WILL BE GRADED BY
EACH TEACHER SEPERATELY

TENTATIVE DUE DATES:

SEPT. 30 TOPIC DETERMINED (SCI)
OCT. 2 DATA COLLECTION PROPOSAL (MATH)
OCT. 5 DRAFT, DIAGRAM AND HOW IT WORKS (SCI)
OCT. 12: DRAFT, HISTORY AND GLOSSARY (S.S.)
OCT. 26: DRAFT, COSTS AND BENEFITS, AND FUTURE TECHNOLOGY (S.S.)
NOV. 9 FINAL PROJECT DUE DATE (TENTATIVE)

DON'T FORGET: START EARLY, ASK FOR HELP OR EXPLANATIONS, AND BE CREATIVE.
THESE WILL PROBABLY BE SHOWN AT SOME TIME TO OTHERS. GOOD LUCK!