NSES Content Standard E  Science and Technology: Understandings about science and technology Grades 5-8, page 166 Scientific inquiry and technological design have similarities and differences. Scientists propose explanations for questions about the natural world, and engineers propose solutions relating to human problems, needs, and aspirations. Technological solutions are temporary; technologies exist within nature and so they cannot contravene physical or biological principles; technological solutions have side effects; and technologies cost, carry risks, and provide benefits.

 
Benchmark 3A The Nature of Technology: Technology and Science
Grades 9-12, page 47
Technology usually affects society more directly than science because it solves practical problems and serves human needs (and may create new problems and needs). In contrast, science affects society mainly by stimulating and satisfying people’s curiosity and occasionally by enlarging or challenging their views of what the world is like.

Benchmark 3B The Nature of Technology: Design and Systems
Grades 3-5, page 50
The solution to one problem may create other problems.

Benchmark 3B The Nature of Technology: Design and Systems
Grades 6-8, page 51
Design usually requires taking constraints into account. Some constraints, such as gravity or the properties of the materials to be used, are unavoidable. Other constraints, including economic, political, social, ethical, and aesthetic ones, limit choices.

Benchmark 3B The Nature of Technology: Design and Systems
Grades 6-8, page 51
All technologies have effects other than those intended by the design, some of which may have been predictable and some not. In either case, these side effects may turn out to be unacceptable to some of the population and therefore lead to conflict between groups.

Benchmark 3C The Nature of Technology: Issues in Technology
Grades 3-5, page 54
Technologies often have drawbacks as well as benefits. A technology that helps some people or organisms may hurt others--either deliberately (as weapons can) or inadvertently (as pesticides can). When harm occurs or seems likely, choices have to be made or new solutions found.