Middle school students struggle with differentiating between science and technology. “Engineers, architects, and others who engage in design and technology use scientific knowledge to solve practical problems. [Emphasis added] They also usually have to take human values and limitations into account.” This quote comes from Benchmarks Online, a publication of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and an inspiration for the National Science Education Standards (NSES). The NSES Science and Technology standard has two parts: abilities of technological design and understandings about science and technology. The following resources will help students understand the relationship between science and technology and the differences between the two.

Nanotechnology Prevents Sunburn. What Else Might It Do?
This resource highlights how knowledge of cell structure and function, the nature of UV radiation and its impact on cells obtained through scientific investigations contributed to the technological innovation of sunscreens. As with most technological innovations, new problems and questions emerged.

Is Walking a Waste of Energy?
This resource focuses on the scientific law of conservation of energy, energy transfer, and energy conversion. Using this science knowledge, engineers imagined and built a device capitalizing on human energy used to recharge devices such as cell phones.

Organic Sources of Fuel Don’t Have to be Fossil Fuels
Scientists used knowledge of chemical reactions performed by living cells involving transfer of energy to devise an original source of fuel that burns cleanly and is renewable.

Technology and the Environment
In this publication, teachers will find resources they can use when building or freshening a unit about the environment. Units about technology and the environment provide excellent opportunities for teachers of technology, science, and mathematics to collaborate. Students to assess the risks and benefits of individual and industrial uses of technology.

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Let us know what you think and tell us how we can serve you better. We want your feedback on all of the NSDL Middle School Portal science publications. Email us at msp@msteacher.org.