Technical Experimentation

STL 10. Students will develop an understanding of the role of troubleshooting, research and development, invention and innovation, and experimentation in problem solving.

BM E. Troubleshooting is a problem-solving method used to identify the cause of malfunctioning in a technological system.

• • These kinds of problems typically require some type of specialized knowledge. For example knowledge about how a derailleur works is needed in order to find out why a bicycle does not shift properly. Once the cause of the next problem has been identified, the next step is to repair and test it.

BM G. Invention is a process of turning ideas and imagination into devices and systems. Innovation is the process of modifying an existing product or system to improve it.

• • All technological refinement occurs through the process of innovation.

BM H. Some technological problems are best solved through experimentation.

• • These include experimentation with technological products and systems. this process closely resembles the scientific method. The difference between these methods is in the goal that each pursue. The goal of science is to understand how nature works, while the goal of technology is to create the human-made world. In both cases, the process is systematic and involves tinkering, hypothesizing, observing, tweaking, testing, and documenting.

Source: International Technology Education Association. (2007). Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology (Third Edition). Retrieved October 12, 2013 from http://www.iteea.org/TAA/PDFs/xstnd.pdf

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Examples of Different Technical Experiments related to Hydroponics

• • • • • 1. Germinating seeds in dark vs light

          2. HID Light vs LED Light vs Fluorescent lights

          3. Tap Water + Nutrients vs RO Water+ Nutrients

          4. Deep water culture system vs Aeroflo system

          5. Fan on or Fan off (Temperature changes)

          6. Organic seeds vs Non-organic Seeds

          7. Sweet basil vs Purple Basil in same system

Check out this great example of Technical Experimentation within Hydroponics!

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