Name:

Foundations of Technology
Unit 4 Lesson 1: The Core Technologies
File 4.1.1: Categorizing the Core Technologies

Period:

Date:

Categorizing the Core Technologies

Directions: In small groups, watch the video of the working Rube Goldberg device and try to identify
subsystems of the device that use core technologies to function. Core technologies enable subsystems
within a larger, more complex system to function and are considered the building blocks of all technology
systems.
In the table below, describe at least one example of how each core technology is used in the device. Give
which larger subsystem (technological, social, and environmental) would it be in as well
Check one box
Core
Technology
Mechanical

Example of How Used

Structural
Electrical
Fluid
Optical
Thermal
Material
Electronic
Bio-Technology
If your group did not see one of the core technologies represented, identify which core technology you
think was missing and describe how it could be included in the device depicted in the video.

2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators AssociationFoundations of Technology, Third

Edition /
Technology, Engineering, and Design