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Unit 4
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Unit 4

1 Can you differentiate science, technology and engineering?

2 Which of the three mentioned above did you study at school mostly?

3 What are the main functions an engineer has to perform? Does he create/design/plan?

4 Read the text.

cience, Engineering and Technology

      Technology and science are closely tied together, but  they  are different.  Science  is   the  study  of   facts, phenomena,  etc. It  usually  gives  you  the  theories ( ideas about   how  nature  works ).  Science  deals  with   man’s understanding  of  the  real world – the  properties  of  space, matter,  energy  and  their  interaction.  Technology  is systematic   knowledge  and  action,  usually  of  industrial processes. Technology lets you use your  knowledge   and resources to solve different problems. It deals with the tools and techniques for carrying out the plans. Technology is the application  of  scientific  and   engineering  knowledge to achieve a practical result. Engineering is the application of the  knowledge  learned  to  develop  products. It  uses   the knowledge to create plans, designs and means for achieving desired goals.

 Most people think that technology is related only to science  and  math. While  this  connection  is  easy  to  see, technology is just as much a part of social studies and other subjects.

Example: Flow of electrons produces current; this is a fact or concept  of   science.  When  current  is  passed  through  a semiconductor  device  such  as  silicon or  germanium,  the mechanism is known as  electronics. The  production  of  an electronic device using the concept of electronics is known as electronics  engineering.  Computers  are  developed  using electronics engineering. Using the computer to store digital information, processing it and sending it from one place to

another through telecommunication equipment in a secure manner is information technology.

Advancements  in  technology  have    given  us  the quality of life we enjoy today. It is easy to see how the speed of  technology  has  increased.  Technology  definitely  has changed  with  times. Some  technologies  no  longer  exist because there is no use for them  today. Other  technologies have changed to better meet our needs. At each step in time, different technologies were important for what they could do to help us.

The  rapid    growth    of  technology  has   caused our society to change rapidly too. The  study  of  technology is a study  process   that  includes  both  technical    and  social processes. It has  to  do  with  designing,  making, and  doing things. It is enhanced by discoveries in science and shaped by the designs of engineers. Technology is the way  that  things are introduced into society.

Technology has changed the way we work,  the way we study and play.  It affects the whole world, but the effects have   been   both   good  and   bad.   People  see  some  of technologies  as  being  positive  and some as being negative.

Some people just do not like any change at all. But one thing is  for  sure: change   keeps  happening. We  cannot  always predict accurately how a change will affect us or our world.

Our task is to constantly evaluate how technology  can be used with the most benefits to people and  the environment.

1 Say whether statements below are TRUE or FALSE:

  a) We use technology to solve practical problems.

  b) To use technology means to practice science and math.

  c) Even science about our society includes technology.

  d) The higher is the level of technology, the higher our  

      standards of living are.

  e) The speed of technology is hard to see.

  f) Changes will never stop.

  g) People can predict changes easily.

  h) Technology needs control.

2 Answer the questions:

  a) Why do some technologies disappear?

  b) Are all  technologies  positive?

  c) In what way do we depend on technologies?   

  d) Why do some people ignore modern technologies? 

  f) What newest technologies have entered your life

     recently?

3 Fill in the  gaps with proper prepositions:

a) Technology deals . . . tools and techniques to carry out plans.

b) Technology is  not related . . .science and math only.

c) It is shaped . . . the designs of engineers.

d) Technology introduces new things . . .  society.

e) We should use technology . . . the best benefits . . . people and the environment.

4 Topics for discussion in the class:

a) Being professional means to master technologies.

b) Any technology can be used for both   the good and the bad. Give examples.

c)  High technologies and students’ life.

d) Possible ways  to control technology.

e) The newest technologies in language learning.

f) Changes in technology cause changes in mentality.



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