Innovative Applications of

Technology in Engineering - Part 3

Technological Systems
Copyright Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.

Bell Work Activity

Directions: Please take out a sheet of paper
and answer the following questions.
a. Make a list of 5 modern-day devices that reduce labor in
our day-to-day lives.
b. List 7 ways technology helps us communicate.
c. Identify 3 inventions that are in widespread use today that
were invented outside the United states.
Copyright Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.

Warm-Up Activity
Engineering and Technology Terms
a. There are several important terms and
definitions students need to know.
b. Students will now complete the matching definitions
handout on Technological Systems;
Students may work in groups (pair-share)

Copyright Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.

Emerging applications of technology in

engineering
3-D Printing: A new innovative form of manufacturing

where a product is created layer by layer on a 3-D Printer.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles: Vehicles that run on fuels

that are not petroleum based. Many are already in
production.

Genetic Engineering: A technique used in

biotechnology to combine genetic material between
different species to change the characteristics of the
species.
Copyright Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.

Factors affecting the

evolution of technology
The Evolution of Technology has been driven by the need
to find more efficient means of replacing human labor.
The first stage involved the development of the tool which
gave us a mechanical advantage in completing a physical
task.
The second stage involved the development of machines
which replaced human physical effort and gave the
operator control over the process.
The third stage, automation, replaced human control with
computerized processes.
Copyright Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.

Manufacturing practices affected by

changes in technology
The growth in our human population drove the
demand for a variety of products. Systems were
needed to meet the demands more efficiently.
o Textile industry production was improved by the
invention of the cotton gin.

o The creation of interchangeable parts in the

manufacturing process improved output.
o Communications networks were improved with use of
the telegraph.
o Railroad systems increased commerce across the U.S.
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Copyright Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.

The Evolution of Manufacturing

Manufacturing has evolved from the use of hand tools to
the use of machine tools. Today we have the ability to
create an abundance of goods along with the leisure time
to enjoy them.

Nothing contributed more to our present way of life than the invention of the
steam engine and the boring mill that made the engine possible. They gave
tremendous impetus to the Industrial Revolution, which, in only 150 years,
generated far greater gains in material welfare than humans experienced in
all previous history. 1

Another factor in our success of manufacturing evolution

is development of machine cutting tools. These tools
allow the creation of most of the other tools used in
manufacturing.
Copyright Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.

The international effects of

technology
Since ancient times, advances in technology have had
dramatic impact on human societies. Consider the
advantages of iron/steel weapons, gunpowder, the horse
and stirrup, rail systems, air planes, computers and
medicines.
.the creation of new technology anywhere in the world affects
the rest of the world 2

Many countries contribute to the Global advancement of

technology. Consider the international space station and
the growth of manufacturing in Asia. Its important to
manage the growth carefully and be prepared to handle
events like the B. P. Oil spill or the Fukushima Nuclear
Power Plant accident.
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Copyright Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.