Activities

1. Pick a simple machine. Explain where this design can be found in your daily life.
   
   
2. Name two modern inventions and describe how you have been impacted by them.

3. Compare and contrast the use of technology in schools now compared to a specific time in the past.
   
   
4. What is the purpose of consumer product testing? What can you infer about how it impacts the production of goods?

5. Pick a product and conduct your own consumer report. Critique this product.
   
   
6. Develop a logical argument on how technological use in the classroom impacts learning.

Answer Key/Rubric

1. Acceptable responses must include, but are not limited to:

• Student identifies a simple machine (lever, pulley, wheel and axel, screw, wedge, inclined plane)
• Student gives specific examples of where to find the simple machine (wheel and axel- on a bike)

2. Acceptable responses must include, but are not limited to:

• Student identifies two modern inventions
• For each invention, student describes how this has impacted their life.
• Please note, inventions are NOT limited to technological inventions (such as iPads, SMART boards, etc.)

3. Acceptable responses must include:
          Identification of a specific time of the past (such as a certain decade)
   Acceptable responses may include, but are not limited to:

• The increase of the number of SMART boards, computers in schools and the addition of computer labs, or mobile computer carts.
• The addition of network based computers and Wi-Fi, allowing access throughout the school including on other devices (such as iPads and Smart phones).
• The ability to correspond with teachers and classmates through email, message boards, Google classroom, etc

4. Sample response: The purpose of consumer product testing is it provides companies feedback from the public on the quality and usefulness of their goods. It allows companies to try out different models, make modifications that appeal to consumers, and assure the safeness and durability of their products.

5. Acceptable responses must include, but are not limited to:

• Identification of a specific product
• Description of the product, including information on its general purpose or use
• Critique of the product, which can include pros and/or cons of the product
• Statement of if this product would be recommended to other potential buyers

6. Acceptable responses may include, but are not limited to:

• How technology such as SMART boards allows teachers to pull up relevant content (maps, pictures, articles, etc.) for the class to view
• Provides students with the ability  to engage in learning opportunities that provides immediate feedback (such as curriculum-based learning  sites, or teacher made quizzes)
• Prepares students for a technological-based world that they live in and will work in