Understanding Technology – JSS1 Basic Technology Lesson Note (First Term)

Technology is the use of scientific knowledge to make the processes and products that make life easy and stress-free.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of technology;
2. give examples of products of technology;
3. state the differences between economic activities in developed and underdeveloped technology;
4. state five reasons why technology is important;
5. list the basic units of technology;
6. name some careers in technology.

What is technology?

Technology is the processes (methods) and products (materials) that make life easy and stress-free.

• Application of knowledge: it is the use of systematic scientific knowledge to develop tools and machines that help people meet their needs.
• Examples: tractors, mobile phones, air conditioners and gas cookers.

Where does the word technology come from?

• Tekhnē: a Greek word for an art or craft.
• Logia: a Greek word meaning an area of study.
• Meaning: literally, technology means the study or science of crafting.

What are other ways of defining technology?

• Definition 1: the general term for the processes by which human beings fashion tools and machines to increase their control and understanding of the material environment.
• Definition 2: the study, development and application of devices, machines and techniques for manufacturing and production processes.
• Definition 3: a method or methodology that uses technical knowledge or tools.

What are the two parts of technology?

Technology has two parts: processes and products.

• Processes: the methods used to do a job, such as canning food or farming with a tractor.
• Products: the materials, machines and equipment made to help people, such as a phone or a gas cooker.

What are the products of technology?

Products of technology are the materials, machines and equipment used to make life easier.

• Finished works: they are the finished products of engineering works.
• Tools: they include the tools used to achieve specific objectives.
• Change in power: hoes and cutlasses have been replaced by tools and machines powered by steam, water, wind, electricity and the sun.

What are examples of products of technology?

• Pressing iron: used to smooth clothes.
• Tractor: used to prepare land on a farm.
• GSM (cell) phone: used to send messages and make calls.
• Air conditioner: used to cool a room.
• Grinding machine: used to grind pepper, tomatoes and grains.
• Gas cooker: used to cook food.
• Washing machine: used to wash clothes.
• Electric bulb: used to give light.

How do economic activities differ in developed and underdeveloped technology?

Underdeveloped technology uses simple tools worked mainly by hand or animals. Developed technology uses advanced machines.

• Underdeveloped technology: simple tools, much human effort, slow output.
• Developed technology: machines, less human effort, fast output.

Why is technology important?

Technology is important because it prepares students for work and daily life.

1. Creativity: it encourages creativity in students.
2. Foundation: it gives students a solid base for future training in pre-vocational subjects.
3. Literacy: it prepares students with basic technological literacy.
4. Growth: it enhances technological growth from the grassroots.
5. Self-reliance: it makes students self-reliant.

What are the basic units of technology?

There are six basic units of technology, each covering a different area of skill.

1. Basic electricity and electronics: wiring, circuits and electrical devices.
2. Auto-mechanical and mechanical engineering: care and repair of vehicles and machines.
3. Woodwork: making items such as tables and chairs from wood.
4. Metalwork: shaping metals into items such as gates and tools.
5. Technical drawing: drawing plans and objects with instruments.
6. Building construction: putting up structures such as houses with blocks and cement.

What career prospects are there in technology?

There are many careers in technology, and most of them are branches of engineering.

• Mechanical engineering: designs and repairs machines and engines.
• Electrical engineering: works on electric power and wiring.
• Electronics engineering: works on circuits in radios, televisions and phones.
• Computer engineering: works on computer hardware and systems.
• Telecommunication engineering: works on phone and network systems.
• Civil engineering: plans roads, bridges and dams.
• Building engineering: works on the construction of houses and other buildings.
• Chemical engineering: works on processes that turn raw materials into useful products.
• Aeronautical engineering: designs and maintains aircraft.
• Architecture: designs buildings and draws their plans.

Evaluation

1. In your own words, explain the meaning of technology.
2. Mention ten products of technology.
3. State the differences in economic activities in developed and underdeveloped technology.
4. State five reasons why technology is important.

Assignment

Choose three economic activities from the table. For each one, give an example of underdeveloped technology and an example of developed technology.