National Standards
Technology
Science
Mathematics
These excerpts from the Standards for Technological Literacy: Content
for the Study of Technology (STL)
connect to the topics and resources discussed in this publication.
The Nature of Technology
Standard 3: Students will develop an understanding of the relationships among
technologies and the connections between technology and other fields of study.
Technology and Society
Standard 5: Students will develop an understanding of the effects of technology
on the environment.
Abilities for a Technological World
Standard 13: Students will develop abilities to assess the impact of products
and systems.
These excerpts from the
National Science Education Standards speak to the
interrelationships between science, technology, society, and the environment.
Science and Technology
As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop
UNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
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Perfectly designed solutions do not exist. All technological solutions have
trade-offs, such as safety, cost, efficiency, and appearance. Engineers often
build in back-up systems to provide safety. Risk is part of living in a highly
technological world. Reducing risk often results in new technology.
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Technological designs have constraints. Some constraints are unavoidable, for
example, properties of materials, or effects of weather and friction; other
constraints limit choices in the design, for example, environmental protection,
human safety, and aesthetics.
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Technological solutions have intended benefits and unintended consequences.
Some consequences can be predicted, others cannot.
Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop
understanding of
NATURAL HAZARDS
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Human activities also can induce hazards through resource acquisition, urban
growth, land-use decisions, and waste disposal. Such activities can accelerate
many natural changes.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
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Technology influences society through its products and processes. Technology
influences the quality of life and the ways people act and interact.
Technological changes are often accompanied by social, political, and economic
changes that can be beneficial or detrimental to individuals and to society.
Social needs, attitudes, and values influence the direction of technological
development.
Making the leap from classroom mathematics to real-world situations is often a
challenge for math teachers. Working on an interdisciplinary environmental
project with science and technology teachers is an excellent opportunity to
engage students in mathematics that applies the concepts and skills found in
the Data
Analysis and Probability Standard,
Connections Standard, and Representation Standard for grades 6-8.