As you know, information is one of the seven resources of technology. In order for people to solve problems, extend their abilities, and satisfy their needs and wants, they must have the right information. Information can be classified into four basic types: facts, concepts, processes, and principles.
Facts are usually descriptions or explanations of something.
Concepts are ideas, designs, plans, or imaginings.
Processes are a series of steps or events that take place over time.
Principles are laws, rules, or guidelines.
All technologies build on information gathered in the past. Facts, concepts, processes, and principles established centuries ago are still the basis for many new products and methods. The six simple machines are a good example. They are the ancestors of today's most innovative tools. No one who invents a new tool or machine does so without an understanding of the principles underlying the six simple machines. Also, information obtained for one technology may be combined with information from another. When principles of electricity were applied to tools, power tools were born.
Information in the form of concepts may sometimes occur to inventors and scientists long before the means exist to make them real. In 1959, physicist Richard Feynman came up with the idea of building machines small enough to manufacture products at the molecular level. Almost thirty years passed before information in other areas caught up. Computer circuits got smaller, and more was learned about how molecules work. Mechanical engineering got more precise. Today, Feynman's idea—nanotechnology—is gradually becoming a reality.
Centuries ago, information traveled slowly. Gunpowder was invented in China during the 9 th century. However, it took 500 years for the recipe to travel from China to Europe . With the invention of the printing press and then the telegraph, sharing information was speeded up. Today we live in what has been called the “Information Age.” Huge quantities of data are processed, stored, and exchanged electronically by means of computers. Information can travel from China to Europe in the blink of an eye. As a result, scientists, researchers, and inventors can build on one another's ideas more easily than ever before.
Information from the potential users of a technology is also important. Manufacturers often conduct market research to learn what customers want to buy. Experts contribute information about what problems a particular technology might solve or what impacts it might have.
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For this WebQuest, your job is to investigate ways in which information is a key resource for technology. To demonstrate what you have learned, you will answer the questions included here. You will also complete one of the activities described at the end of this WebQuest.
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Read through the following questions. Then research the Internet resources that are provided for you. As you explore the sites, look for answers to the questions. Keep a record of any sites where you find answers by noting the title and URL (Internet address). For example:
(title) Technology Student Association
(URL) www.tsaweb.org
- What concept did the ancient Romans contribute to our information that is still used in today's architecture?
- Artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci produced many sketches for machines that did not become a reality for hundreds of years. His sketches would be classified as what type of information?
- Leonardo da Vinci studied how machines of his day worked. Why did he want to learn this information?
- Leonardo da Vinci got the idea for a parachute in 1485. When was the first successful parachute jump finally made?
- How did Isaac Newton's fascination with an apple help him contribute information to such modern technologies as space travel and construction?
- Digital cameras are the result of combining information from photography and which other technology?
- Futurists are experts who contribute information about what they think will happen in the future. In what areas do they think nanotechnology will have the most impact?
- Why is information from market research important to manufacturers?
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Visit the Web sites listed here to find information that will enable you to answer the questions. Be sure to keep a record of any sites you use.
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Several activities are described below. Complete one of these activities (your choice) to demonstrate the understandings you've gained by going on this WebQuest.
- Write an essay describing an example from your own life in which you built on information or understandings from the past.
- Do some research to create a poster or display showing the evolution of Thomas Edison's cylindrical records into the music CDs of today. Include at least three examples of new information that enabled changes to take place.
- Suppose a doctor in your community is using nano-robots to cure the common cold. The patients use a nose spray in order to inhale the tiny machines. Make a survey of at least 10 people to determine whether or not they would be willing to try a similar new therapy. Try to find out the reasons for their answers. Based on this information, do you think nano-therapy will be readily accepted by the general public? Explain your answer in a short paragraph.
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