A Science Odyssey: Resources: Educator's Guide: Technology


	non-tabled version Technology has transformed our lives, our work, and the way we think about the world in the twentieth century. How did it happen? This program traces that revolution from a time of unparalleled enthusiasm for technology to a time of doubt and questioning. Meet the inventors, entrepreneurs, and industrial scientists whose work fueled this technological boom. Trace the development of new technologies and the industries they spawned. And consider the broader social forces -- government spending, the Cold War, and the growth of consumerism -- that have redefined the role of science in our society. Program Contents Our technological odyssey starts in a modest, turn-of-the-century home. Inklings of change are apparent, but are the residents prepared for the transformation the coming years will bring? The startling view of humans flying "free from the earth at last" is just an introduction to the surprises ahead. And, each new technological development -- whether a car for the masses or a worldwide computer network -- brings profound changes to homes across the country and to the lives of the people in them.

	Prologue Past visions of the future Introduction What's state-of-the-art in 1900? Aviation Competition drives technology Airplane wows public at 1910 air show Wright brothers stun Europe ANIMATION: Wing warping for plane stability First trans-American flight, 1911 Political tensions boost European aviation Airplanes' role in WWI and beyond The Automobile Technology for the masses Henry Ford ANIMATION: Model T design The Tin Lizzie's success Mass production and consumption Impact on society and urban development Radio Technology in search of an identity From telegraph to sound broadcast Commercial radio's origins Early programming Economics and the rise of radio networks Faith in Technology's Benefits The marriage of technology and big business Search for the first synthetic material Wallace Carothers develops nylon, 1934 FDR opens 1939 World's Fair Corporate world envisions the future	Introduction War yields new products and incentives Computers The military sponsors digital technology Early computer technology ANIMATION: Binary code Development of Whirlwind computer Air defense network lays path for future The Space Race Politics drives technology Soviet achievements spur U.S. space program Goal: the Moon Apollo 8 -- Can we make it? ANIMATION: Attaining lunar orbit New view of the Moon -- and Earth Technology's Ills Reassessing the promise of technology Unexpected consequences Raised expectations The Internet Technology for the 21st century Personal computers/microprocessors Roots of the Internet ANIMATION: Uniting computer networks The World Wide Web Cyberspace -- hopes and fears Conclusion Factors in technology's future

	Quality, Quantity, and Other Questions Evolution or Revolution? Testing the Virtue of Virtual In-Depth Investigation: Super Polymers! Appendix: Jumping Frog Origami Home \| Resources for Educators Menu \| Educator's Guide Contents \| Help WGBH \| PBS Online \| Search \| Feedback \| Shop © 1998 WGBH