The Nature of Technology Strand Explanatory Papers Updated May 2010
Characteristics of Technology
Junior Secondary (Years 9-10)
Possible learning experiences
The learning experiences suggested below have been provided to support teachers as they develop their understandings of the Characteristics of Technology component of the Nature of Technology strand and how this could be reflected in student achievement at various levels. There is no expectation that these would form the basis of any specific unit of work in technology. The learning experiences have been written in such a way as to support student learning across a range of levels. This stance reflects the majority of classrooms where it is expected that students will demonstrate a range of levels of achievement.
Students could explore a contemporary technology-related controversial context (for example, genetic engineering, stem cell research, climate change, alternative energy sources, environmentally-friendly building design, etc.) and identify issues that have arisen from this context. As part of this, they could interview a range of people to establish their views and explore in depth the influences on and impacts of people's perceptions and attitudes on related technological developments. Current codes of practice related to the wider context (both national and international), could be identified and their development and purpose explained and analysed in terms of how they may influence future developments both positively and negatively.
Students achieving at level 3 could be expected to:
- describe how societal and/or environmental issues have arisen from their selected issue;
- describe how these issues influenced people's decision making in related technological developments; and
- identify the codes of practice relevant to their issue.
Students achieving at level 4 could be expected to:
- explain how their selected technological issue has stimulated creative and critical thinking;
- explain how their issue has led to changes in how people perceive or do things; and
- identify the knowledge used to support different perspectives within a selected issue.
Students achieving at level 5 could be expected to:
- describe a personal position regarding the acceptance of a particular technological development related to the selected technological issue and explain this in terms of their own experiences and developing views; and
- explain why the codes of practice relevant to their issue were developed and the impact these have had on related technological developments to date and the possible influence on future developments.
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