Technology provides solutions to everyday problems. It can make day-to-day activities easier and new technologies make more things possible. New technologies are being looked at to address the challenges of sustainable living and sustainable development.
33.1 What is technology?
Technology is the use of scientific knowledge to provide solutions to practical problems. Technology could also be described as the invention of useful things to solve problems. We are surrounded by technology, for example smartphones, bikes, cars and computers. In fact you could say that modern societies rely on technology.
Activity Identify the technologies that can be used to provide solutions to these problems.
1. People with arthritis find it difficult to get up stairs. 2. The classroom is too hot on a sunny day. 3. A carton of milk goes sour on the way to a picnic. 4. Filament bulb Christmas tree lights use a lot of electricity. 5. Communication via post is very slow. 6. Leftovers need to be reheated quickly.
33.2 Impacts of technology on science, society and the environment
Technology can impact the world of science, society and the environment. A technology is said to impact on the world of science if it is used in any kind of scientific research and development. For example NASA’s Hubble telescope has allowed scientists to learn a lot more about our
