Data Sheet
About Electricity (Technology)
5. What is Technology?
Q: What is technology and who used technology in the past?
A: Technology is the application of scientic knowledge for
practical purposes. Dating back to the 18th century, Benjamin
Franklin (a famous American) proved that lightning was caused
by electricity by performing an experiment in which an electrical
conductor would be used to extract power from a thundercloud. In the
experiment, he ew a kite with a metal key
attached to it into a suitable cloud. The precise
historical details are unclear, but he may have
then retrieved the key and discharged electricity
from it. He later, in 1799, invented the lightning
rod, a device that served a practical purpose.
6. Technical Terms
Q: What terms do electrical technicians need to know?
A: When technicians work on circuits and appliances there
are some terms they need to know. Current is the movement
of electrons and is measured in Amperes (Amps), which is named
in honor of André-Marie Ampère. Resistance
is measured in Ohms, which is named after
George Ohm. Electro-Motive Force EMF that
pushes the electrons through the resistance is
measured in Volts, named after Alessandro
Volta. Electrical Power is measured in Watts,
named after the famous technical inventor
James Watt.
7. Technology in Everyday Life
Q: Where do we see Technology?
A: Since Technology is the
application of scientic knowledge,
we see it every day when
we watch television, cook in an
electric pot, ride on a train that is
powered by electricity, and more.
Repairmen that x our furnaces or our
air-conditioning units are technicians
because knowledge of how the science
was used to make things hot and cold
helps us repair a broken device.
8. Is There an Age Requirement to be a Technician?
Q: How old do you have to be to become a Technician?
A: Let me tell you a story about a girl named Becky. She
was only 10 years old when she was attempting to do her
homework in her mom’s car. As it got darker outside, she had
the idea that there should be a way to make
her paper easier to see in the dark. She began
playing around with phosphorescent materials,
which exhibited light without heat. She then used
phosphorescent paint to cover an acrylic board
and The Glo-Sheet was created. At the ripe old
age of 12, Becky became the youngest woman
to be approved for a U.S. patent for her Glo-
Sheet invention.
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