'Authentic' technology projects
Authentic technology activities using the design and make process should involve developing a product through an investigative process of defining a task, developing strategies to gather information, identifying and evaluating data, and applying and synthesizing information (Sherman & Sherman, 2004, p.11). While abundant physical equipment and tools exist that can be used to develop such projects, electronic tools such as internet research, webquests and multimedia can be effective for students to explore, interact with and present information (Bybee et al., 2008, p.267; Martin, 2006, p.450).
Examples of Authentic Technology Projects
Lower Grades (1,2)
Middle Grades (3,4)
Upper Grades (5,6)
Examples of Authentic Technology Projects
Lower Grades (1,2)
- Work in groups to create boats through exploring materials, shape and design features which maximize flotation. This can occur through a sequence of discussion, experimentation and evaluation which effectively aligns with the design and make process while engaging students and developing their skills.
Middle Grades (3,4)
- Creating a model of the solar system in correct proportions using information about diameters of planets. This could occur through experimenting with physical materials such as paper-mache and clay or electronically using software such as Kid Pix to draw planets or present pictures (Sherman & Sherman, 2004, p.206)
Upper Grades (5,6)
- Using robotics to physically construct and program a machine to perform a given task effectively incorporates experimentation, information gathering and linking scientific concepts with technological equipment (Norton et al., 2007, p.210).
- Replicating the design of theme park rides (e.g. the Giant Drop at Dreamworld) allows for an exploration of materials, problem solving, linking science with mathematics and meaningfully investigating scientific concepts such as friction, force, acceleration, velocity, energy and momentum. (Norton et al., 2007, p.206)
Created by Paul Goossens - 2012
Assignment 1 for Curriculum Studies: Science and Technology II
Assignment 1 for Curriculum Studies: Science and Technology II