Science notes, unit 13
Technology
Textbook Science Year 6 (DLP, Semakan 2017), pages 211–222
What this chapter covers
- You can explain what technology is and why humans need it (13.1.1)
- You can name tools that overcome the limits of our senses and body, such as the microscope, telescope, stethoscope and telephone (13.1.1)
- You can describe how technology has developed in agriculture, medicine, transport, communication and construction (13.1.2)
- You can give advantages and disadvantages of technology in daily life (13.1.3)
- You can explain why humans keep inventing new technology (13.1.4)
- You can make a simple telegraph machine and explain how it sends Morse code (8.2.6, 8.2.7)
Our senses and our bodies can only do so much. We cannot see germs, hear a faint heartbeat or run to another country in an hour. Technology helps us do these things. In this unit you will see what technology is, how it has grown in different fields, and what good and bad effects it can bring.
13.1Technology and its importance
Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to overcome human limitations.
Tools have been invented to help with each limitation of our senses and body.
| Human limitation | Invented equipment |
|---|---|
| Cannot see tiny objects and microorganisms | Microscope |
| Cannot see faraway objects, such as the Moon and planets | Telescope |
| Cannot speak loudly enough to be heard | Microphone and loudspeaker |
| Cannot hear sounds of very low frequency, such as a heartbeat | Stethoscope |
| Cannot talk to people far away | Telephone and mobile phone |
| Cannot move far in a short time | Land, water and air transport (car, ship, aeroplane) |
Did you know? The tool does not make us weaker or stronger by itself. It extends what our senses and body can already do.
Do not write "technology means computers". Technology is any application of science to solve a human problem, from a stethoscope to a rocket.
Syuhada cannot see microorganisms with her naked eyes. Name equipment that can help her, and say why.
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A microscope. It magnifies tiny objects so she can see them.
13.2Development of technology in different fields
| Field | Examples of development | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture and farming | Drones that spray fertiliser and herbicide; automatic chicken feeders; research in sustainable farming and farm biotechnology | Saves time and workers; better crops and better feed; a steady food supply |
| Medicine | Electron microscope, ultrasound, X-ray and MRI machines; new medicines and vaccines | Doctors find diseases inside the body and in microorganisms; diseases are cured or prevented |
| Transport | Air: aeroplane, rocket. Land: LRT, bullet train. Sea: submarine, cruise ship | Faster travel, less traffic jam, space exploration, stronger defence, travel opportunities |
| Communication | Broadband and the Internet: online learning, online meetings, online shopping | Information reaches people quickly across borders |
| Construction | SMART tunnel; prefabricated houses | Stronger, longer-lasting structures built faster and cheaper |
Example: prefabricated houses
The parts of a prefabricated house are made in a factory. They are then assembled on the building site. So the house is finished in a shorter time and at a lower cost.Did you know? The SMART tunnel is both a road tunnel and a storm drain. It reduces the loss and the traffic accidents caused by flash floods in the city.
Name two ways technology has developed in transport.
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Any two: aeroplane and rocket (air); LRT and bullet train (land); submarine and cruise ship (sea).
13.3Advantages and disadvantages of technology
Most technology has a good side and a bad side. A fair answer gives both.
| Technology | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| Drones for spraying crops | Saves time and human resources | Short battery life; thrown-away batteries cause pollution and e-waste |
| Medicines | Treat patients and improve health | Abuse of medicines can cause addiction |
| Clearing forest for houses | Land for homes and buildings | Plants and animals are destroyed (deforestation) |
| Internet | Information spreads quickly with no limits | Personal data can be stolen and misused |
| More vehicles | Easier to move from place to place | Harmful gases cause air pollution |
We invent new technology to solve new problems and to reduce the bad effects of old technology, so that human life can be comfortable and sustainable.
Do not say technology is "all good" or "all bad". Give an advantage and a disadvantage, and say that we must use technology responsibly.
Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using more vehicles.
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Advantage: it is easier and quicker to move from one place to another. Disadvantage: the harmful gases they release cause air pollution.
13.4Fun Science: a simple telegraph machine
A telegraph sends messages as Morse code. You need two AA dry cells, a dry cell holder, a buzzer, a switch, connecting wires and a card base with a Morse code chart.
- Sketch where each part will go on the cardboard.
- Stick the dry cell holder, buzzer and switch down with a hot glue gun.
- Join the parts with connecting wires.
- Put the dry cells into the holder.
- Press and release the switch. A long buzz is a line (dash) and a short buzz is a dot in the Morse code chart.
How does the telegraph show a dot and a line?
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A short press of the switch gives a short buzz (dot). A long press gives a long buzz (line).
Pictures: Science Year 6 (DLP) textbook, pp. 212–213 (microscope, telescope, stethoscope), p. 215 (medical machines), p. 217 (communication and construction), p. 218 (drone), p. 220 (telegraph).