What is technology? Why is it impor-
tant in our lives? We need only to look
around to see how technology changes
our lives. Tools and machines make our
work easier. We have automobiles, cellular
telephones, computers, and many other
products to save us time and improve the
quality of our lives.
Construction of all types provides
shelter and convenience for all our activi-
ties. Houses and apartments keep us
comfortable and protect us from the
elements. Bridges allow us to cross rivers.
We can choose many different kinds of
vehicles for travel. Radios, telephones,
computers, satellites, and television all
help us keep in touch with each other and
the rest of the world. All these advantages
are the results of advances in technology.
Technology is the knowledge of doing.
This knowledge is a means of extending
human abilities. Technology allows us to
make useful products better and more
easily. This knowledge enables us to
build structures on Earth and in space.
Technology lets us move people and
goods more easily.
This book, Exploring Design,
Technology, & Engineering, introduces
you to the various technologies. Exploring
Design, Technology, & Engineering
explains the technologies as systems.
These systems have inputs (such as
people and materials), processes, outputs,
goals, and constraints. You will be able to
learn about the effects of technology and
see that, while most effects of technology
are good, some are not. As a result, you
will be able to form opinions and make
decisions about how to use technology
wisely.
Exploring Design, Technology, &
Engineering does more than tell you about
technology. At the end of each section,
you have a chance to apply what you have
learned through carefully designed activi-
ties. In some activities, you will build and
test products. You might even use the prod-
ucts in competition with other students. In
other activities, you might be introduced
firsthand to mass production or the use of
tools. We hope this combination of infor-
mation and doing activities is a worthwhile
experience for you.
R. Thomas Wright
Ryan A. Brown
About the
Authors
Dr. R. Thomas Wright is one of the
leading figures in technology-education
curriculum development in the United
States. He is the author or coauthor of many
Goodheart-Willcox technology textbooks.
Dr. Wright is the author of Manufacturing
and Automation Technology, Processes
of Manufacturing, and Technology &
Engineering. He has served the profes-
sion through many professional offices,
including President of the International
Technology and Engineering Educators
Association (ITEEA) and President of the
Council on Technology Teacher Education
(CTTE). His work has been recognized
through the ITEEA Academy of Fellows
Award, the ITEEA Award of Distinction, the
CTTE Technology Teacher Educator of the
Year, the Epsilon Pi Tau Laureate Citation,
Introduction
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