NCSS VIII: Science, Technology, and Society

 

     The study of Science, Technology, and Society is very important for social studies teachers to help students understand. Science and technology had has a major impact on human history. It continues to have a major impact today. Many scientific and technological advancements over history have helped improved humanity. Advancements in medicine and transportation have certainly improved human lives. However, it is also for students to understand that scientific and technological advancements have been used for destructive means. Examples of this include World War II and the invention of the atomic bomb. It is important for students to understand how science and technology impacts their own lives.

    During my Spring student teaching I did a particularly good job of addressing Science, Technology, and Society during my inventions lessons (See Evidence 1). During my lesson on inventions students were able to see how technological advancements from the early nineteenth century impacted and benefitted society. For example the mechanical reaper resulted in faster and increased grain production. However, students were also able to see that some of these inventions had negative impacts on society as well. For example while the cotton gin helped increase cotton production; it also resulted in the increased need for slave labor in the South (See Evidence 2). Students were also able to see during this lesson that these inventions have been improved through entrepreneurs up to the present day. I showed the students pictures of some of the inventions in use today. Students were able to learn more about the impacts of these inventions through completing an Invention Project, in which they had to investigate more in depth an invention from that time period. Then they were able to present to the class how these new technologies impacted society. I consider the Invention Project one of my biggest accomplishments from the student teaching, and something that the students enjoyed doing. They were able to take charge of their learning and be creative in how they presented the information to the class.

      It will be very important for me to continue to address Science, Technology, and Society throughout my teaching career. I can incorporate the impacts of science and technology into lessons on wars in history, inventions, medical advancements, government, or geography. I will need to help students know that science and technology will continue to impact them in the future. It will also be important for me to help students use science and technology to help society. Using current events can be a good way for me to help students understand the impacts of science and technology on society today, as well as in the future.

 

Evidence