Analyze a technological object
Key Questions to Ponder:
  • How does the object work?
  • What scientific principals are at play?
  • How does the object impact humans or the environment?
  • How is it built and maintained?
Tools
Resources
Steps

Step 1

Suggest an Explanation

My Ideas: I explain in my own words everything I already know about the object and what I think the main principals at play are.

My Possible Solutions: I explain what I think are its uses.

Step 2

Planning and Implementing the Process

Materials: I have a chance to manipulate the object

Development:

  • What are my steps?
  • What precautions do I need to take?
  • What are the concepts, the laws, the models and the theories at issue in this object (design, fabrication, use)?
  • What should I write down?

Action:

  • I carry out the steps I listed.
  • I make changes as needed.
  • I note my observations.

Step 3

Working out explanations and concluding

 

  • I suggest an explanation for my initial question, based on the data collected and on my knowledge.
  • I communicate what I have found using the appropriate language and diagrams for the parts, assembly and operation.
  • I describe what I learned from this activity.

 

Reference Poster: 8,5 x 11 11×17

Materials from CDP - Le Centre de devolvement pedagogique

Example: Technological analysis of a stapler (PDF)