Foreword
Exploring Design, Technology, &
Engineering, by R. Thomas Wright and
Ryan A. Brown, presents the core of tech-
nological knowledge and skills demanded
to actively participate in our ever-improving
society. Studying and applying the lessons
included in this textbook provides you with
the solid content and the hands-on and
minds-on experiences that will enable you
to understand contemporary technology,
while preparing you to make good deci-
sions regarding future technology oppor-
tunities and options. This book was written
and illustrated to support the growing
importance of technology in our democratic
society. Exploring Design, Technology,
& Engineering is entirely based on the
Standards for Technological Literacy:
Content for the Study of Technology. The
organization and content of Exploring
Design, Technology, & Engineering
align with the objectives described in the
Standards for Technological Literacy,
regarding what the content of technology
education should be.
Exploring Design, Technology,
& Engineering presents curriculum
content in five easily understood sections.
Therefore, the reader masters the essential
core of technological knowledge. The first
section defines technology and explains
technology as a system. The second
section describes the input resources
of tools, materials, energy, information,
people, time, and capital. The third section
covers creating technology, the inven-
tion and design processes, and problem
solving in a technological world. The fourth
section explains technology contexts,
utilizing comprehensive coverage, while
providing hands-on applications for the
essential technology core areas of agri-
culture, construction, energy, information
and communication, manufacturing, medi-
cine, and transportation. The fifth section
relates technology to our society and our
future opportunities and challenges.
Additionally, Exploring Design,
Technology, & Engineering provides
exceptional hands-on learning opportuni-
ties supporting the Technology Student
Association (TSA) competitive events.
Active participation with TSA provides not
only exciting student learning experiences,
but also a framework for individual growth
and leadership opportunities. You are
encouraged to study Exploring Design,
Technology, & Engineering to expand
your understanding of the role technology
plays in our contemporary society and the
role it will play in our future. By applying the
lessons, skills, and content of this book,
you will be well equipped to make positive
decisions to build our technological world
for a better tomorrow.
The Publisher
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