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Ministry of Education.
Kaua e rangiruatia te hāpai o te hoe; e kore tō tātou waka e ū ki uta

"Over the Rainbow", Connected, level 3 – Picture This, December 2016

16 December 2016

Student looking at a rainbow through a prism

Ms Maxwell sends her class on a treasure hunt. The students must use their prior knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum to find out how different types of energy can be used in their everyday lives.

Your students could research and discuss the technological products that have been developed using a scientific knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Discussion questions could include:

  • What other technological knowledge would the technologists need to develop cell phones, radios, and televisions? 
  • What other knowledge bases would be useful for technologists developing solar panels or managing biosecurity of pests in produce imported into New Zealand?
  • What impact have these technologies had on the social world and/or the natural world?
  • How have these technological products changed over time?

You can find the article and the support materials here: Literacy Online, Instructional series search, "Over the Rainbow".

Other useful resources

How it's made mobile phones

Questions and answers about irradiation of fruit and vegetables

Food irradiation is it safe?

Indicators of progression for discussion starters

Component Indicator Level
Characteristics of technology
  • explain why particular technological outcomes have changed over time
  • describe examples of how technology has impacted on the social world over time
  • describe examples of how technology has impacted on the natural world over time
  • identify that technological knowledge is knowledge that technologists agree is useful in ensuring a successful outcome
2

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