Lesson Plan
Everyday Tech's Science
Students will be able to identify and explain the basic STEM principles behind everyday technologies, connecting abstract concepts to tangible examples.
Understanding how the technology around us works transforms students from passive users into curious thinkers and potential innovators. This lesson makes STEM subjects feel relevant and exciting by showing their real-world impact.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, example analysis, and a brief hands-on exploration.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Everyday Tech's Science Slide Deck, Small everyday tech items (e.g., remote control, old cell phone, basic calculator, flashlight) for demonstration (optional), and Everyday Tech Worksheet
Prep
Gather Materials & Review
15 minutes
- Review the Everyday Tech's Science Slide Deck and become familiar with the content and teacher notes.
- Gather optional small everyday tech items (e.g., remote control, old cell phone, basic calculator, flashlight) for students to observe.
- Print or prepare for digital distribution the Everyday Tech Worksheet.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What's Your Tech?
5 minutes
- Begin with a quick Warm Up activity. Ask students to think about one piece of technology they used this morning. Have a few students share, prompting them to briefly consider how it works (without needing to be perfectly accurate).
- Introduce the lesson by explaining that today they'll uncover the 'magic' behind these everyday items by looking at the STEM involved.
Step 2
Introduction to STEM in Tech
10 minutes
- Use the Everyday Tech's Science Slide Deck (Slides 1-3) to introduce the concept of STEM and how it's integrated into technology.
- Define each component: Science (understanding the world), Technology (applying knowledge to solve problems), Engineering (designing and building), Math (the language of STEM).
- Show examples like a smartphone and briefly discuss which parts relate to which STEM area (e.g., physics for screen display, engineering for design, algorithms for apps, math for calculations).
Step 3
Deep Dive: Everyday Examples
15 minutes
- Continue with the Everyday Tech's Science Slide Deck (Slides 4-7) for specific examples.
- Example 1: Flashlight. Discuss the circuit (Science: electricity, Engineering: circuit design), bulb (Technology), and power calculations (Math).
- Example 2: Remote Control. Talk about infrared signals (Science: light spectrum), buttons/chips (Technology/Engineering), and coding/algorithms (Math/Technology).
- Example 3: Microwave. Explain how microwaves heat food (Science: electromagnetic waves), the internal design (Engineering), and timing functions (Math).
- Encourage student questions and facilitate a brief discussion after each example.
Step 4
Hands-On Exploration / Worksheet
10 minutes
- Distribute the Everyday Tech Worksheet.
- If you brought physical tech items, allow students a few minutes to observe them and brainstorm the STEM behind them.
- Instruct students to choose one everyday technology they use and complete the worksheet, identifying the science, technology, engineering, and math aspects.
- Circulate to provide support and answer questions.
Step 5
Cool-Down & Share Out
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together. Ask a few students to share what they wrote on their Everyday Tech Worksheet about their chosen technology.
- Conclude with the Cool Down activity, reinforcing the idea that STEM is all around them and they have the potential to understand and even create it.
Slide Deck
Everyday Tech's Science: Unpacking the World Around Us
What makes your gadgets tick?
Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of how everyday technology is built on STEM principles. Ask them to think about one piece of tech they use daily and how they think it works. Keep it light and introductory.
What is STEM?
S - Science: Understanding the natural world (how things work)
T - Technology: Tools and systems created to solve problems
E - Engineering: Designing and building solutions
M - Math: The language of science and engineering (numbers, patterns, logic)
Introduce STEM. Emphasize that these aren't separate subjects but interconnected ways of understanding and shaping the world. Explain each letter briefly.
STEM is Everywhere!
From your phone to your toothbrush, technology is all around us.
And behind every piece of tech? STEM!
Ask students for examples of tech they use. Guide them to see that even simple things like a pencil involve some 'engineering' in its design for writing. Explain that we'll be looking at more complex examples.
Example 1: The Flashlight
What powers the light you carry?
Start with a simple example. Ask: What makes a flashlight work? Guide them to think about electricity, light, and the physical design.
Flashlight Breakdown
Science: Electricity and light principles
Technology: LED or incandescent bulb
Engineering: Circuit design, casing, switch mechanism
Math: Battery voltage, light output (lumens), beam distance
Explain the science (electricity, light), technology (the bulb itself), engineering (how it's put together, the switch), and math (battery life, brightness calculations).
Example 2: The Remote Control
Changing channels from the couch: How does it happen?
Move to the next example. Ask: How does your TV remote change channels without touching the TV?
Remote Control Breakdown
Science: Infrared light signals
Technology: Microchips, sensors, buttons
Engineering: Ergonomic design, internal component layout
Math: Digital codes for commands, signal frequency
Discuss infrared signals (science), buttons and microchips (tech/eng), and the digital signals that represent channel numbers or volume levels (math/tech).
Example 3: The Microwave
Zapping your leftovers hot: What's the secret?
Final example. Ask: How does a microwave heat food so quickly? This can be a bit more complex, so simplify it.
Microwave Breakdown
Science: Electromagnetic waves heating water molecules
Technology: Magnetron (generates microwaves)
Engineering: Cavity design, safety shielding, rotating plate
Math: Cooking times, power levels (wattage)
Explain how microwaves excite water molecules (science), the magnetron tube that produces microwaves (tech), the internal shielding and turntable (engineering), and timing for cooking (math).
Your Turn! STEM in My World
Choose an everyday technology you use.
How does Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math make it work?
(See your Everyday Tech Worksheet)
Introduce the worksheet activity. Reiterate that they will pick one tech and try to break it down using the STEM categories. Encourage them to think broadly.
You Are a STEM Detective!
You just explored the hidden STEM in everyday objects!
Keep observing, keep questioning, and keep learning.
Wrap up by asking a few students to share their worksheet insights. Emphasize that STEM is not just for scientists or engineers but for everyone to understand the modern world.
Warm Up
Warm Up: What's Your Tech?
Think about one piece of technology you used this morning. It could be your alarm clock, a light switch, your phone, or even a toaster!
1. What piece of technology did you use?
2. Briefly describe how you think it works. (Don't worry about being perfectly accurate – just your best guess!)
Worksheet
Everyday Tech Breakdown
Instructions: Choose one everyday technology that you use regularly. In the spaces below, explain how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are involved in its creation and function.
My Chosen Technology:
## Science (How do natural laws/principles make it work?)
## Technology (What tools or systems were created to solve a problem?)
## Engineering (How was it designed and built?)
## Math (What calculations, measurements, or patterns are involved?)
Cool Down
Cool Down: My STEM Discovery
1. What is one new thing you learned today about how everyday technology works, or something that surprised you?
2. How might knowing about STEM in everyday tech change how you look at the world around you?