Activities

1. How has a microscope enhanced the study of cells?
   
   
2. How has the advancement of telescopes contributed to the study of space?
   
   
3. Identify variables that have increased the use of technology in society.

4. Identify and explain a natural-occurring event in history that has caused technology to change.
   
   
5. Explain how a technological weather instrument is used to collect weather data.

6. Develop a logical argument on how the use of medical robots have changed healthcare.

Answer Key/Rubric

1. Microscopes allow scientists to study components of cells, which cannot be done unaided.  Examining cells, scientists gain insight on cells of living organisms. Microscopes also allow the research of cells that may be afflicted with certain diseases or illnesses, and allow for advancement in the treatment and prevention of these sicknesses.
   
   
2. Before advanced telescopes, ideas about the Sun, other planets, stars, and other components of our universe were based on inferences and speculations.  Since many of these ideas were just educated guesses, more advanced technology was needed to get a more clear view and understanding of our universe. 
   
   
3. Acceptable responses may include, but are not limited to:
   Technology use is becoming prominent in schools and the job market

• Communications amongst businesses, companies, etc. are mainly done using computers or other telecommunication
• People stay in touch more through non-verbal means such as texting and social media
• Many learning opportunities are presented through apps and websites
• The ability to connect to social media and email is available in an increasing range due to means such as wifi

4. Acceptable responses must include the identification and explanation of a natural event, and how this event resulted in the advancement of technology
   Sample response: The Galveston Hurricane of 1900 was the deadliest in the history of US and the second costliest.  The Weather Bureau advised the area of a tropical storm near Cuba, but they had no way of tracking the storm’s direction or change in intensity.  Devastating events such as this hurricane led to the advancement in the research of weather related technology.  Weather satellites that were able to track and provide data of storms were later developed to avoid such high death tolls and to make people prepared to deal with the storm.

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

• Satellites- track storms in order to collect data to predict the path and intensity of storms
• Doppler- tracks precipitation and speed of storm systems. This helps meteorologists predict future weather forecasts
• Weather balloons- transports sensors into the atmosphere to collect data related to temperature, air pressure, wind speed and direction to aid meteorologists in making weather predictions

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

• Medical robots allow more precise surgery
• Medical robots provide a less invasive procedure
• Recovery time is generally less
• The development of robots has created jobs in the field of medical technology
• Medical robots decrease the chance of human mistakes