Why include Design Technology in Science?
Science comprises our knowledge about the natural world and the processes by which that knowledge is acquired, synthesized, evaluated, and applied. Therefore, science education must emphasize hands-on exploration and direct experience with the natural world. Students should be engaged in the observation of these phenomena whenever possible. Science is, above all, an inquiry activity that seeks answers to questions by collecting and analyzing data in an attempt to offer a rational explanation of naturally-occurring events. The knowledge that results from scientific problem solving is most useful when it is organized into concepts, generalizations, and unifying principles, which lead to further investigation of objects and events in the environment.
Science and technology are practiced in the context of human culture, and therefore, dynamic interactions occur among science, technology, and society. Each component-- inquiry and problem solving, and how these relate to each other and to society-- is critically important to instruction at every grade level.
Technology concerns the human-made world. Technology is much older than science, and has its roots in the very early use of tools by our human-like ancestors. Enabling our children to understand how humans modify the natural world to solve problems and to meet human needs and desires is equally as important as teaching them how to inquire about the natural world. And of course, these two endeavors are related. The reason for including technology along with science in the curriculum is stated in the National Science Education Standards: “Although these are science education standards, the relationship between science and technology is so close that any presentation of science without developing an understanding of technology would portray an inaccurate picture of science.” 2 The National Standards goes on to define technology and its relationship to science as follows:
“As used in the Standards, the central distinguishing characteristic between science and technology is a difference in goal: The goal of science is to understand the natural world, and the goal of technology is to make modifications in the world to meet human needs. Technology as design is included in the Standards as parallel to science as inquiry.” 3
In order to broaden our students' career opportunities and awareness it is also important that they learn distinction between the occupations of scientist and engineer: Scientists propose explanations for questions about the natural world, and engineers propose solutions relating to human problems, needs, and aspirations. Scientists and engineers frequently work together in teams, along with people from other fields, to tackle the essential issues facing our society.
2 National Science Education Standards , National Research Council, Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 1996, page 190.
3 Ibid . page 24.
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