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?
The U.S Funds most of the Research and Development and Non-Federal Governments fund
more than the Federal Government.

2012 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association

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

2. Pair: With a student close to you, share your reflections with one another.
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?
I was surprised that the Federal Government didnt fund as much into R&D. I was not
surprised at the fact that the U.S gave a lot of money to fund it. I think that the tax payers paid a lot
of money and that is why the U.S funded a lot of money and that the Federal Government didnt fund
as much because they dont have as much money as non-federal government.

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