Nature of Technology
Standards > Nature of Technology
Human population, patterns and movement focus on the size, composition, distribution, and movement of human populations and how they are fundamental and active features on Earth’s surface. This includes understanding that the expansion and redistribution of the human population affects patterns of settlement, environmental changes, and resource use. Patterns and movements of population also relate to physical phenomena including climate variability, landforms, and locations of various natural hazards and their effects on population size, composition, and distribution.
By the end of grade 2
Innovation and the improvement of existing technology involves creative thinking.
By the end of grade 5
Technology innovation and improvement may be influenced by a variety of factors.
• Engineers create and modify technologies to meet people’s needs and wants; scientists ask questions about the natural world.
By the end of grade 8
Technology advances through the processes of innovation and invention which relies upon the imaginative and inventive nature of people.
• Sometimes a technology developed for one purpose is adapted to serve other purposes.
• Engineers use a systematic process of creating or modifying technologies that is fueled and constrained by physical laws, cultural norms, and economic resources. Scientists use systematic investigation to understand the natural world.
By the end of grade 12
Engineers use science, mathematics, and other disciplines to improve technology. Increased collaboration among engineers, scientists, and mathematicians can improve their work and designs.
• Technology, product, or system redesign can be more difficult than the original design.
State website for the 2020 Learning Standards: 2020 NJSLS
State Documents for the 2020 NJSLS: 2020 NJSLS PDF
K–12 Computer Science Framework: k12cs