Lesson 1: Inventions and Innovations: An Evolutionary

Process
File 1.1.2: Research and Development Funding Change
Analyze the following graph from the National Science Foundation depicting funding
for Research and Development for the United States from 1960 to 1998.

Think, Pair, Share

1. Think: Individually, take five minutes to interpret the graph. Consider the
following question: What conclusions can you draw upon based on the data
shown? I can draw that the US always had the most money or had to pay the
most money out of Federal and Non-Federal Government.
2. Pair: With a student close to you, share your reflections with one another.

2012 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association

Foundations of
Technology, Third Edition/
Technology, Engineering, and Design

Consider the following questions: What surprised you? What factors do you
think contributed to the data? What didnt surprise you? What conclusions did
you both agree upon? It went from 15 Billion to 60 billion. The National R&D
funding was a part of this funding process. There was also Constant dollars
and current dollars. The US was always above of the both governments
3. Share: Be prepared to share your discussion with the class.

2012 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association

Foundations of
Technology, Third Edition/
Technology, Engineering, and Design