Technology is made of connected parts — Technology, 4–6 years
Parts have different jobs, and their connections let one object work as a whole. Technology, 4–6 years.
Parts work together
Many technologies are not one single piece. They have parts that fit, turn, hold, cover or guide something. A pair of scissors has two blades, a join and handles; together these parts help us cut. If one part is missing, the whole object may not work properly.
Why connect parts?
A difficult job is often easier when it is split between parts. A wheel can roll, an axle can hold it, and a frame can carry people or things. People connect these parts so each can do one useful job and help the others. That is how a larger object can do more than one loose piece.
How a toy car rolls
1. The car needs wheels that can turn. 2. Each wheel is attached to an axle. 3. The axles are held by the car's body. 4. Push the car: the body moves the axles, the axles turn the wheels, and the wheels roll on the floor. The parts pass the job along.
A part must fit its place
It is reasonable to think that adding a missing part will fix an object. But a part can be the wrong size, shape or position. A wheel placed beside an axle will not help a car roll. The connection matters as much as the parts themselves.
See parts in familiar things
Look at a door, a zip or a bicycle. A door has a panel, hinges and a handle; a zip has teeth and a slider. We understand an object better when we notice what each part does and how the parts meet. Do not pull a part apart unless a grown-up says it is safe.
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