Technology is the practical application of scientific knowledge and tools to address human needs and challenges. Engineers design technology that encompasses a wide range of devices, systems, and processes to simplify tasks, enhance efficiency, and improve our lives.
Technology is integral in making modern society function. It has transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. Behind every innovation, there are engineers who use technology to shape our world.
Engineers develop new technology, create tech that has never existed, or iterate on previous technological advances to drive progress in our society.
By integrating technology into K-12 education, students can make connections on how engineering and technology are woven together in their lives.
Between various types of devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets, as well as infrastructure such as communication networks and transportation systems, engineers design and leverage technology in all disciplines. Technology encompasses software, algorithms, and data processing techniques that enable us to store, analyze, and communicate information effectively, adding value to life around the globe.
Engineering and technology have revolutionized the world, empowering engineers to push boundaries and drive innovation. From streamlining design processes to harnessing the power of automation and artificial intelligence (AI), engineers use the power of technology to create efficient, sustainable, and cutting-edge solutions. They use existing technologies to create new and improved technologies that continue to build on each other. As technology continues to evolve, engineers will remain at the forefront of cutting-edge developments that will shape our future.
Our hands-on resources can help students make sense of all things technology including: computer science, robotics, coding, 3D printing, laser cutting, computer-aided manufacturing, and more. Encourage students to dive deeper into their understanding of how engineering and technology make the world a better place!
Technology Curricula
Empower your students to engage with technology through the engaging hands-on, design-based resources from TeachEngineering featured here, by grade band, that exemplify K-12 technology resources.
Grades K-2
- Engineering an Animal’s Survival Engineering an Animal’s Survival
Students perform research and design prosthetic prototypes for an animal to use for its survival. They research a set of pre-chosen animals and their habitats. They then create habitats for their animals to live and model 3D prosthetics for the animals to use with modeling clay.
Grades 3-5
- Night-Light Pennant Night-Light Pennant
Students learn the functions of pre-programmed microcontroller units such as the LilyMini ProtoSnap as they use them to create light-up pennants with LED components. Students design their own felt pennants and sew on circuit components using conductive thread.
- Sensors for Our Hearts Sensors for Our Hearts
Students explore heart health by using the engineering design process to create a model of a human heart and then use sensors to determine their success. Students will know their heart model is successful if the Arduino Nano Gesture, Proximity, Light & RGB sensor can classify if the student's model ...
- What Is Bluetooth? What Is Bluetooth?
Students learn about electrical connections, how they work and their pervasiveness in our world. They learn the Morse code rules and translate a few phrases into Morse code. Specifically, they learn about a wireless connection type known as Bluetooth that can be used to control LEGO robots remotely ...
- Light-Up Plush Pals Light-Up Plush Pals
Students make design decisions about controlling LEDs in a light-up, e-textile circuit, plush toy project made using LilyPad ProtoSnap components and conductive thread. They follow instructions to assemble a product while applying their own creativity to customize it. In this sewable electronics pro...
- Algorithms and Everyday Life Algorithms and Everyday Life
Algorithms are one of the foundations of our technological world, and are driven by the scientists and engineers. This lesson is intended to get students interested in the inner workings of algorithms and the capabilities associated with them.
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Grades 6-8
- Light-Up Plush Pals Light-Up Plush Pals
Students make design decisions about controlling LEDs in a light-up, e-textile circuit, plush toy project made using LilyPad ProtoSnap components and conductive thread. They follow instructions to assemble a product while applying their own creativity to customize it. In this sewable electronics pro...
- Make a Shoebox Arcade Controller Make a Shoebox Arcade Controller
Students learn what goes on inside video game controllers by building their own, which shows them the use of simple circuits and switches. Inside a shoebox, they wire up a joystick and two arcade push buttons to a MaKey MaKey and a laptop by following a provided hole-cutting template and wiring sche...
- Designing and Packaging a Distance-Sensing Product Designing and Packaging a Distance-Sensing Product
Students follow instructions to connect a Sunfounder Ultrasonic Sensor and an Arduino Microcontroller. Once they have them set up, students perform necessary calibrations, and practice using the sensor.
- Program Analysis Using App Inventor Program Analysis Using App Inventor
In this lesson, students learn about, design and create flow charts for different scenarios, including a game based on the Battleship® created by Hasbro©. In the associated activity, Flow Charting App Inventor, students apply their knowledge from this lesson and gain experience with a software appli...
- Algorithms and Everyday Life Algorithms and Everyday Life
Algorithms are one of the foundations of our technological world, and are driven by the scientists and engineers. This lesson is intended to get students interested in the inner workings of algorithms and the capabilities associated with them.
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Grades 9-12
- Body Motion Vector Visualization Body Motion Vector Visualization
Students apply their knowledge of vectors to a project that gathers data on body movements using the (free) ARK Mirror technology. They record their own body movements, such as martial arts or dance, use the computer program to create graphs of position, velocity, and acceleration data, and analyze ...
- 3D Printed Strain Sensors 3D Printed Strain Sensors
3D printed sensors are a novel design that can be customized in wearable technology. In this lesson, students are introduced to the concepts of electrical resistance and how it relates to sensors.
- Making Sound-Reactive Clothing Making Sound-Reactive Clothing
Students create their own light-up safety outfits using EL wire—a luminescent wire that stays cool. Students combine microcontrollers, sensors and the light-up wire with a SparkFun sound detector and EL sequencer circuit board to flash the wire sewn to clothing for pedestrian safety near roadways.
- Intro to Vectors Physics and Augmented Reality Intro to Vectors Physics and Augmented Reality
Students learn about video motion capture technology within the context of a high school physics class. They learn about vector components, magnitudes and directions, position, velocity, and acceleration. Students use a (free) classroom data collection and processing tool, the ARK Mirror to visual a...
- What Is an IR Sensor? What Is an IR Sensor?
Students learn about infrared energy and how it is used to sense the surrounding environment. They review where infrared falls on the electromagnetic spectrum and learn how infrared sensors work, as well as various ways engineers and scientists create and apply infrared technology to study science a...
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