2nd grade: What is technology?

This week 2nd graders brainstormed all different types of technology they use in their daily lives. In every class there was one major factor that seemed to be present in all four 2rd grade classes. Every item they listed required a cord, batteries, or some type of electricity to work. After our first brainstorming session students came up with a definition of technology.

Original definition of technology:

Electric or battery powered items that people use for fun or to get places.

Mrs. Kacamburas' 1st graders work

I then placed students in 5 different groups and gave each group a brown paper bag with a piece of technology in it. All of the student were very excited to see what electronic I had placed into their bag, but little did they know they were going to open it to find common everyday items like a pencil or a fork.

Mystery Technology Bags

Technology: Fork, Pencil, Clothespin, Rubberband, and a Straw

Once students had opened their bags they were prompted to figure out what problem these items solved! We then regrouped and shared our items and the possible ways they may be used to help people. After sharing we watched a quick video about technology and what it is. Check it out here: What is technology?

Students were so excited to share their new ideas on what technology was, so we did another quick brainstorm and shared our new items and what problems they solve!

Here is our new definition of technology:

Something manmade that is used to help people or solve a problem.

Ask your 2nd grader about their favorite piece of technology and why they think it was invented!

-Mrs. Henderson