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.