Technology · 1º ESO · Unit 1

The Technological Process

Student worksheet · Session 1 of 4 · Colegio Reina Sofía · Totana

This is a printed backup of an interactive HTML worksheet. Write your answers by hand in the space provided.
55 minSession 1 of 4

What is Technology? The Technological Process

Sections 1 & 2 of the unit · pages 2–5

1 Let's read and learn ~12 min

Technology produces objects and develops systems or strategies that solve problems and satisfy our needs, from the simplest to the most sophisticated.

An object can be a tool, machine or household appliance. A system can be the way a train station is managed, or the way someone who is hurt on a mountain is rescued.

Technology is the practical application of knowledge (science) and skills (technology) to create a solution (an object or a technological system) that allows human beings to satisfy their needs or problems.

Sometimes the process of solving a problem is very simple; generally it consists of various stages in which one or more people are involved — this is the technological process:

StageWhat happens
NEEDAnalysis of the need or problem and the conditioning factors. Study of previous cases and their solutions.
IDEAPropose one or various solutions. Agree on and choose the best solution.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE IDEATools, materials and labour needed. Prepare a budget.
CONSTRUCTIONConstruction and testing.
VERIFICATIONEvaluate. Write a final report.
SOLUTIONThe final result of the whole process.

When a solution has been found, it is converted into a technique — a skill, something we know how to do and that is used for future technological solutions. This is the base of technological evolution.

Several factors take part in the technological process:

  • Knowledge of physical and scientific concepts: the more we know, the easier it is to find an optimal solution.
  • Technical drawing: used to transmit the idea of an object.
  • Knowledge of materials: essential for choosing the right material for the project.
  • Work techniques: important for better results (speed, reliability, cost and safety).
  • Economic factors: decisive in the progress of technology — they influence design and the use of materials.
  • Information technology (IT): facilitates the management of information, its speed, and the automation of processes.

Key vocabulary

  • technology
  • need
  • idea
  • development
  • construction
  • verification
  • solution
  • tool
  • system
  • technique / skill
  • technical drawing
  • economic factors
  • information technology (IT)
2 Practice time ~15 min

1. Put the technological process in order

Tap the six steps in the correct order — from the first stage to the final solution.

2. Match: factor ↔ description

Tap a factor on the left, then tap its matching description on the right.

3. Fill in the gap

Complete each sentence with a word from the bank.

3 Quiz time! ~15 min

Get ready on your device — your teacher is going to launch a live quiz about everything you've just learnt. Answer fast and carefully!

✦ If we have extra time

60-second challenge: in pairs, list as many technological solutions (objects or systems) as you can see right now in the classroom. Then choose one and write its NEED → IDEA → SOLUTION in one sentence each.