Fernando M. Reimers et a].

3. Students will explain the major social contributions advanced by at
least one of those innovations.

Overview

In this unit, students examine the historical development of several tech—
nologies, beginning with a teacher—led lesson on the history of computing.
They then complete an independent research project on the history of some
of the major technologies of the twentieth century.

Activity TIG.2.1

The History of the Computer

In this activity the teacher will lead the class in a discussion of the history of
the computer, starting with the first design in 1884 by English mathemati—
cian Charles Babbage of the mechanical “analytical engine.” The teacher
will present a time line showing the history of computers, and the discus—
sion will examine how the development of electronics, the miniaturization
of processors, reductions in costs, and increases in processing power and
memory have shaped the development of new applications. The class will
then discuss the many uses of computers in modern life and how various
activities changed as a result of the introduction of computers. This ex
amination of changes might focus on the effect of computers on hospitals,
banks, schools, town administrations, animation, and music compositions
and performances.

Activity TIG.2.2.

The Evolution of Computers

In small groups of two or three, students will discuss how computers have
evolved over the last thirty years and consider the way these changes have
affected their uses. Students will research predictions made about computers
thirty years ago and compare them with actual developments. They might,

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