How Technology Works

Catalog description

This course is intended for students of all disciplines who are interested in how everyday things work. This course is an introduction to some of the fundamental science concepts underpinning high technology, emphasizing everyday devices and practical experience, for the development of scientific and computer literacy. Students experiment with technology to discover principles of science. Concepts such as force, work, energy, power, liquids and gasses, heat transfer, electricity, magnetism, electronics, and light are explored through experimentation and observation. Students experience through class demonstrations and hands-on laboratories the concepts presented by the instructor. Phenomena such as how computers convert data, iPods transmit sound, air conditioners cool a room, solar heating panels capture heat, and microwaves cook food are discussed. A laboratory session is included which offers students the opportunity to do experiments. A field trip to local tech industry displays is required.