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Students Name: ________________________

Unit 3: Systems

Lesson 1: Core Technologies

File 3.1.1: Categorizing the Core Technologies
Step 1: In your small groups, sort the subsystems you identified during the video into the
following categorieswhich are known as the Core technologiesin the table below. Core
technologies represent subsystems within a larger, more complex system.
Step 2: If your group did not see one of the core technologies represented, propose how it
could be included in the device depicted in the video.
Step 3: Create a visual diagram representing the relationship among the core technologies
shown in the device.

Subsystem from Device in Video

Step 1
Mechanical
The use of a lever to lift
up an object.

Structural
The use of metal to
structurally support the
beginning platform.

Fluid
The use of fossil fuels (oil)
to weigh down the
platform.

Optical

Material

Electronic
The use of the remote to
open the car trunk.

Electrical
The use of a conductor to
power up the batteries.

Thermal
They used water to cool
off the glass

Biotechnology
The use of fossil fuels to
weigh down one side of
the platform.

Step 2
1. The following core technologies were not represented in the device:

2. The Material core technology could be included by: using a welding torch to cut
through metal and cause a reaction.
3. The _____________ core technology could be included by:

Step 3
Create a visual graphic/organizer that shows the relationship (i.e. the lever [mechanical] is
held in place by a Popsicle stick bridge [structural]) among the core technologies for the
device depicted in the video. Attach your graphic to this worksheet.
2012 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
Foundations of
Technology, Third Edition/
Technology, Engineering, and Design

2012 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association

Foundations of
Technology, Third Edition/
Technology, Engineering, and Design