This is a printed backup of an interactive HTML workbook. Write your answers by hand in the space provided.
55 minSession 1 of 5
What's Technology? Factors & Definition
Section 1 of the unit · pages 2–3
1 Let's read and learn ~12 min
Technology helps us solve problems and satisfy our needs. A technologist is an expert in specific technology. Technologists use a variety of elements to design and create technological objects and systems.
1.1 Factors related to technology. These are the elements every technologist uses:
Materials: technologists choose the most appropriate materials in terms of their properties.
Scientific and Technical Knowledge: these are what new solutions are based on.
Computers: these improve and facilitate the design, production, and team coordination.
Technical Drawings: these transmit our ideas and give the dimensions of the objects we want to create.
Technical Skills: these are necessary to know how to use, process and transform materials into assembled objects.
Economic Factors: the price of raw materials, the cost of production, and the buying power and habits of potential customers are all important factors in technology.
1.2 Definition. Bearing these factors in mind, we can define the concept of technology as follows:
"Technology is the coordinated application of knowledge (science) and skills (techniques) to create a solution (object or technological system) that allows us to satisfy our needs or solve our problems."
Key vocabulary
technology – tecnología
technologist – tecnólogo/a
need – necesidad
material – material
scientific knowledge – conocimiento científico
technical knowledge – conocimiento técnico
computer – ordenador
technical drawing – dibujo técnico
technical skill – destreza técnica
economic factor – factor económico
raw material – materia prima
production cost – coste de producción
buying power – poder adquisitivo
solution – solución
skill / technique – destreza / técnica
2 Practice time ~15 min
1. Sort each item into its factor
Tap an item, then tap the factor it belongs to.
2. Match: factor ↔ what it means
Tap a factor on the left, then tap its matching description on the right.
3. Fill in the gap
Complete each sentence with a word from the bank.
3 Quiz time! ~15 min
Get ready on your device — your teacher is going to launch a live quiz about everything you've just learnt. Answer fast and carefully!
✦ If we have extra time
60-second challenge: in pairs, choose one everyday object in the classroom. List the materials, knowledge/skills and economic factors that were probably involved in designing it — say your answers out loud in English.