The Rise of Technology

Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century The Rise of Technology
Students name a cutting edge technology. Then they learn about the economic shift in American from heavy industry to technology and the service industry. Next they examine technologies developed by NASA and reflect on the relationship between competition and innovation. Finally they explore a timeline of innovations from 1950–2000 and write a statement about how a selected innovation contributed to economic growth and its social impact in the United States.

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Overview

In this experience, students name a cutting edge technology. Then they learn about the economic shift in American from heavy industry to technology and the service industry. Next they examine technologies developed by NASA and reflect on the relationship between competition and innovation. Finally they explore a timeline of innovations from 1950–2000 and write a statement about how a selected innovation contributed to economic growth and its social impact in the United States.

Estimated duration: 35-45 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • complex
  • component
  • mainframe
  • application
  • funded
  • transistor

Objectives

  • Describe technological innovations of the latter twentieth century.
  • Explain the contribution of the Space Race to technological innovation.
  • Analyze the economic and social impact of technology on the United States.


Engage


Technology is the tools and methods that enable people to achieve goals. Historians claim that the history of technology begins with simple tools back in the Stone Age. At the start of the twentieth century, new technological advances such as electricity, flight, and the gasoline engine led to major improvements in transportation and communication. In this lesson, you will learn about the rise of “high technology.” Hi-tech, as it is often called, describes the economic and industrial sectors that depend on technological innovation, especially in the fields of electronics and computerization.

Objectives

  • Describe technological innovations of the latter twentieth century.
  • Explain the contribution of the Space Race to technological innovation.
  • Analyze the economic and social impact of technology on the United States.


drawing labeled “cutting edge” with sketches of a circuit board, a microscope, a computer screen, and more

Hi-tech is often technology that is at the cutting edge: the most advanced technology available. It can be defined as either the most complex or the newest technology on the market.


Name a cutting edge technology that you read about or saw on the news.

Post your answer

Sample answers: self-driving cars, wearable devices, artificial intelligence


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