Buttons, Wheels, and Switches: Machines That Help Us
When you push a button and a light turns on, that's technology working for you! A wheelbarrow, a can opener, a toaster, and a tablet are all technology too, they are all things people built to make a job easier.
What You'll Learn
- What technology means (something people make to solve a problem) - The difference between simple technology and digital technology - Examples of technology you use every single day - How every piece of technology was made to solve a problem
Technology Is a Problem-Solver
Technology is any tool or machine that people invent to solve a problem or make life easier. A spoon is technology, it solves the problem of eating soup with your hands. A zipper is technology, it solves the problem of buttons taking too long. Not all technology has screens or batteries!
Simple Technology vs. Digital Technology
Simple technology, like a lever, a wheel, or a pair of scissors, uses no electricity at all. Digital technology, like a tablet, a smart speaker, or a calculator, uses electricity and tiny computer chips to work. Both kinds count as technology because both were invented to solve a problem!
People invented the wheel over 5,000 years ago to solve the problem of moving heavy things. It's still one of the most useful pieces of technology today, found in cars, bikes, and even your suitcase!
Technology All Around You
Look around your classroom or kitchen right now. A stapler is technology (it solves the problem of holding papers together). A refrigerator is technology (it solves the problem of food spoiling). Even a pencil sharpener is technology! Every single object was designed by someone to fix a problem people had.
Flashcards — click each card to reveal the answer
Which of these is an example of simple technology (no electricity needed)?
Why do people call a spoon a piece of technology?
Technology Scavenger Hunt
Walk around your home or classroom with a grown-up and find 5 pieces of technology, at least 2 simple (no electricity) and at least 2 digital (uses electricity). For each one, draw it and write one sentence about what problem it solves.
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