Benchmark 3C The Nature of Technology: Issues in Technology

Benchmark 3C
The Nature of Technology: Issues in Technology
Grades 6-8, page 56

New technologies increase some risks and decrease others. Some of the same technologies that have improved the length and quality of life for many people have also brought new risks.

NSES Content Standard E
Science and Technology: Understandings about science and technology
Grades 5-8, page 166
Perfectly designed solutions do not exist. All technological solutions have trade-offs, such as safety, cost, efficiency, and appearance. Engineers often build in back-up systems to provide safety. Risk is part of living in a highly technological world. Reducing risk often results in new technology.

NSES Content Standard F
Science in Personal and Social Perspectives: Science and technology in society
Grades 5-8, page 169
Science cannot answer all questions and technology cannot solve all human problems or meet all human needs. Students should understand the difference between scientific and other questions. They should appreciate what science and technology can reasonably contribute to society and what they cannot do. For example, new technologies often will decrease some risks and increase others.

NSES Content Standard E
Science and Technology: Understandings about science and technology
Grades 9-12, page 192
Science and technology are pursued for different purposes. Scientific inquiry is driven by the desire to understand the natural world, and technological design is driven by the need to meet human needs and solve human problems. Technology, by its nature, has a more direct effect on society than science because its purpose is to solve human problems, help humans adapt, and fulfill human aspirations. Technological solutions may create new problems. Science, by its nature, answers questions that may or may not directly influence humans. Sometimes scientific advances challenge people's beliefs and practical explanations concerning various aspects of the world.