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02-09-02

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TECHNOLOGICAL LITERACY UPDATE

A weekly newsletter for families and educators committed to
building brighter futures for kids in a technology-rich society.
THIS WEEK: Part 6 of our technological literacy series as we
delve into MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES!!

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TECHNOLOGICAL LITERACY THIS WEEK

This is the sixth week addressing the significant technologies
identified by the ITEA in the Designed World section of the
"Technology for All Americans" project. This week, we'll look at
Standard #19-- Students will develop an understanding of and be
able to select and use manufacturing technologies.

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES - AN OVERVIEW

Manufacturing is the production of physical goods that can range
from sofas and refrigerators to computers and calculators.
Nearly everything in your home, in your classroom, on your desk,
in your car -- basically everything you buy and use regularly --
including the clothes that you wear, have been produced by
manufacturing technology.

Some of the basics to be aware of when discussing manufacturing
technology include:

1) Manufactured goods are designed.
2) Manufactured goods are produced in a systematic fashion.
3) Raw materials for goods require processing.
4) Consumer demand drives manufacturing.
5) The manufacturing process includes many layers including the
product design, acquisition of raw materials, processing,
marketing, production, shipping, and service.

Just as in our other treatments of the technologies that pervade
our society, the first step towards creating a technologically
literate student is elevating awareness. Since manufacturing is
such a complex and multilayered process it can be illuminating
to simply select any product and visually map out its journey
from the raw material stage to the finished product stage. Use
a piece of paper at home or your chalkboard in class to kick off
a discussion.

TRY THIS AT HOME OR IN YOUR CLASS!

This week's activity utilizes simple LEGO materials since they
are perfect for demonstrating some basic manufacturing
processes. If you do not have LEGO materials, you can
substitute any simple construction toy.

Assembly Lines and Mass Production

Preparation: Read through the activity and gather an appropriate
number of elements for your group size. You will need to have
enough LEGO parts to accurately simulate an assembly line
process. You will also need a stopwatch for timing.

1. Start with a discussion on the history and impact of mass
production. Mass production began in the United States as a
result of Eli Whitney's cotton gin. Samuel Colt introduced the
the idea of interchangeable parts, and Henry Ford is the
originator of the assembly line. Ask students to identify how
these innovations have changed lives.

2. Create a simple LEGO model to be replicated, both by an
assembly line process and by individual copying. You will need
to have the parts required for your students organized ahead of
time.

3. Organize your students into an assembly line using your best
judgement for how to divide up groups and elements.

4. Ready, set, go! Time them as they use the assembly line
process to duplicate a set number of the models. Record the
time.

5. Now, reorganize the students so that they have to build the
same number of models individually or in small groups. Time
them again.

6. Conclusion. Once the activity is completed, compare the
times and initiate a discussion about the assembly line concept.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of mass production?

NEXT WEEK: CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGIES!!

We hope that this introduction to Manufacturing Technologies
has been useful. Try to find a moment to integrate some of this
information into your daily routine with your students or family
this week. Together, we can build a brighter future for
students around the world by preparing them to use technology as
naturally as they use a pencil and paper!

Until next week!

Technological Literacy Update

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