Tools help us do jobs — Technology, 4–6 years
Technology is something people make to help with a job, such as seeing, building, moving or communicating.
A tool is made for a job
A tool is something made to help a person do a particular job. A spoon helps us move food, a torch helps us see in the dark, and a tablet can show a picture or play a sound. Different tools have different jobs.
Why do people make tools?
People make tools because some jobs are hard, slow or unsafe with only our hands. A cup carries water better than cupped hands, and a phone lets us speak to someone far away. Technology begins with noticing a problem and making something that helps.
A tool for moving a heavy box
A box is too heavy for one person to lift safely. First, we put a small trolley underneath it. Next, we tilt the trolley and push the handle. The wheels roll, so the box moves with less lifting. The trolley solves the problem of moving the box.
One tool cannot do every job
It is easy to think that a newer or bigger tool must be better for everything. But a large spoon is awkward for a tiny cup, and a phone is not the best tool for cutting paper. The reasonable mistake is choosing by size or excitement instead of by the job.
Tools at home and outside
You meet tools when you zip a coat, brush your teeth, use scissors or turn on a lamp. Adults also use tools to repair things, cook food and travel. Looking at the job first helps us choose and use a tool safely.
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