Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the UniverseChapter 1: The Nature of ScienceProblem of the WeekThat was then. This is now. Most students today, and many adults, take for granted the devices, tools, and modern conveniences that are available to us today that weren't available in the 1950's. Students should brainstorm and discuss ideas about technologies that were available then, and what they would have to do to make this meeting happen in the 1950's versus making it happen now. The students can set up the meeting in one of two ways, either as a face to face meeting or as a "remote" meeting, such as a phone conference. Doing this activity should give them a good idea of how rapidly things have changed. You might even extend this to comparing technologies only 10 - 15 years ago. The changes, especially in communication technology would still be great! Finally, another fun spinoff from this would be to investigate modern conveniences that are spinoffs from other technologies, such as NASA technology spinoffs. Students might use a work sheet like the following to organize ideas before coming up with a plan.
Resource Web Sites: NASA Spinoff Technology: |  |
