The Science of Technology

The Science of Technology - A conceptual approach to understanding technology
An online textbook for NatSci 10-806-167

Introduction

Hello, my name is Jim Mihal. I've taught at MATC (Milwaukee Area Technical College) since 1976 in the departments of Natural Science and Math. Since 2000, I've developed and written most of the curriculum for this course. It is a new way to learn science by exploring items and devices all around you. An alternate title for this class could be "How Things Work" because it focuses on many of the things we commonly use each and every day, but tend to take for granted. I've found that, in general, most people have a very poor understanding about the science behind the workings of common items and devices ... a situation I hope I can remedy - one student at a time. I hope you will enjoy exploring the world around you and gain a deeper appreciation of science as well as how the science is applied to provide us with the technology that makes our lives easier.

About the course

NatSci 10-806-167 is a three credit general science class of post secondary level. There are no prerequisites and very little math is involved on your part. In September 2007, NatSci 10-80-167 was adopted statewide in the science curriculum for the 16 district Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS).

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About this online textbook

This online textbook represents a continuing effort to expand and improve the content of the class. I tend to present ideas and concepts in a descriptive context. Throughout the course, I try to provide links to relevant pages which gives you an opportunity to learn from other sources and/or provide insight. The materials I provide are copyrighted.

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Links to the class material

The course is broken down into seven units:

Unit 1 is a conventional overview of the basic principles of physics - forces, work, energy, power, torque, etc. It also provides an outline of simple tools and machines as well as a short history of technology including great inventors and their inventions.

Unit 2 demonstrates that the physical properties of materials may be exploited to accomplish a specific goal. For example, the expansion of a liquid may be used to measure the temperature (mercury thermometer). The world of sensors and actuators is explored in this context. Many common objects we use have feedback mechanisms built in which keep the device working properly, warn (and possibly correct) if it is exceeding its design limits, or shut the device off if it becomes dangerous. This unit explores many of these non-electrical applications.

Unit 3 deals with electricity including what it is, ways it is generated, how is used and converted to/from other forms. Like it or not, most of our technology uses some aspect of electricity to make it work. In addition, the connection between electricity and magnetism is explored in devices such as solenoids, electric motors, CRT and televisions, Hall sensors, etc.

Unit 4 is a continuation of unit 3 and explores photovoltaic cells, transistors, capacitors, and piezoelectric crystals.

Unit 5 branches out to individual items we commonly use and focuses in on the science behind them. Items such as engines, airplanes, refrigerators, etc. are explored. The nature of fiber optics and common optical devices (telescopes, projectors, etc) are also included in this unit.

Unit 6 examines how waves become useful tools as probes including MRI imaging and ultrasound. Waves also interact with matter in interesting ways to give us all kinds of devices including microphones, speakers, microwave ovens, etc. A basic understanding of wireless communication is also explored.

Unit 7 is dedicated to one tool - computers. We explore individual parts and peripherals, the nature of digital information, how digital information is stored, manipulated and used. Aspects of the internet are also included in this unit.

A Final Comment