Invention-Innovation-Inquiry: Units for Technological Literacy, Grades 5-6

International Technology And Engineering Educators Association, Reston VA

Investigators

Abstract

This proposal is for the creation of two units of instruction in technology education, yielding ten modules for the fifth and sixth grades. The units are titled "Design and Innovation, and Technology Systems," and would seek to interpret the recently published standards for technological literacy. Modules include: Communication--Better ideas in history; Power and Energy--Circuits in a city; Manufacturing--Keeping food fresh; Transportation--People and goods in motion; Health--Fighting disease in the air; Ecosystem--Energy from the sun; Construction--Keeping the heat in and out; Innovation--people making things better; Invention--Creating the new thing; and Environment--Changing waste. Units will be piloted and field-tested in eight states by exemplary teachers.