News & Notes - AGPA
When someone mentions Einstein, what's the first thing that comes to your mind? Do you think of the most famous equation in all of science - the one that sets up the relationship between mass and energy? Or, do you think of his theory of relativity, his disheveled hair, or his famous warning of the dangers of nuclear energy used for warfare? It seems that the whole world knew Einstein during his lifetime and his name lives on as one of the most famous names in world history.
In my first essay I pointed out that from an early age Einstein showed characteristics of genius, but there was much about his first real job that contributed to his lifelong interest in science and steered his thoughts in the direction that would eventually lead him to his first discoveries. Denouncing his German citizenship, Einstein moved to Switzerland but, because he was not a Swiss citizen, he needed the help of a friend to get his first job - a patent office examiner. The items that came across Einstein's desk were primarily devices to help regulate the running of the Swiss trains - mostly clocks! Can you picture a young Einstein examining the workings of these timekeepers and thinking about motion and time hand in hand?
So, it was technology that triggered one of the biggest scientific theories of the 20th century. Technology drew in the scientist to probe the mysteries of the universe. Science and technology are both complements and supplements of each other. The National Science Education Standards document states that technology influences science and further that, "... any presentation of science without developing an understanding of technology would portray an inaccurate picture of science" (p. 190). Encouraging students to take apart technological devices can bring them to question the reasons why they work and the science behind them. Thinking of technology as applied science is only a partial understanding of the relationship between the two entities. Standards-based instruction mandates that the role, limits, possibilities, and relationship between science and technology be addressed at every grade level.
- Katharine Owens, Associate Director of Operations