Core Concepts of
Technologies
Review of the core technologies and practice
identifying examples
Materials Technology Terms
• Metal: any of a class of elementary substances
which are crystalline when solid
• Alloys: a substance composed of two or more
metals, or of metals with a nonmetal
• Nonmetals: an element not having the character
of a metal
• Composites: made up of disparate or separate
parts or elements; compound or mix
• Biomaterials: a synthetic material, usually a
plastic, suitable for implanting in a living body to
repair damaged or diseased parts
What technologies are used here?
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Mechanical
Electrical
Electronic
Structural
Fluid
Optical
Thermal
Biotechnology
Materials
Try to
• Analyze a technology system and focus on
its function and application.
• Identify the problem that the technology
system solves.
• List the resources (core technologies) you
recognize in the technology system.
Looking at how core technologies are
used:
• This is a radio.
Bad Example
A radio is used to listen to music. It
solves the problem of having to hear
things. It’s an example of electronic
technology .
Better Example
A radio is used to receive communication
wirelessly. It solves the problem of music that
is far away. It’s circuits are an example of
electronic and electrical technologies.
Best Example
A radio is used to receive communication wirelessly. It
solves the problem of listening to music from far away.
Turning the dial uses mechanical technology. You turn the
dial to change the station. It’s circuits represent electronic
technology because they are used for communicating
information. It uses power from electricity or electrical
technology. The case is made of a man-made materials. The
case was designed to be strong and durable (structural
technology)
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This is a crane.
Analyze the technology system, focus on its function and application.
Identify the problem that the technology system solves.
A crane is used to lift and place heavy objects.
List the resources (core technologies) you recognize in the technology system.
Mechanical: movement
Electrical: uses power to move
Electronic: control and safety systems
Structural: must be strong, reinforced
Fluid: pneumatics for heavy lifting
Optical: probably used in control systems
Materials: strong beams and cables
• Identify the problem that the technology system solves.
• List the resources (core technologies) you recognize in the
technology system.
Choose one more object
• Choose something that uses MANY different
technologies
• Analyze the problem it solves
• List how it uses as many core technologies as
you can think of