Spotting Technology Around Us

Active learning works because it transforms abstract ideas like 'technology' into tangible experiences. Year 1 students build understanding through movement, discussion, and role play, which helps them connect classroom ideas to their everyday lives.

• Year 1
• Computing
• 3 activities
• 15 min–30 min

Learning Objectives

1. Identify at least five different types of technology found within the school environment.
2. Explain the primary function of three identified technological devices.
3. Classify objects as either technology or non-technology based on their purpose and design.
4. Compare how two different technologies assist people in completing tasks.

Inquiry Circle

⏱ 30 min·Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: The Tech Safari

Armed with clipboards or tablets, small groups walk around the school to find and photograph five things that use electricity or have buttons. They must guess what each thing does for the school.

Prepare & details

Can you point to something in this picture that is technology and something that is not?

Facilitation Tip: During the Tech Safari, walk behind groups to overhear their conversations and gently guide them with open-ended questions like 'What makes you think that light is technology?'

Setup: Groups at tables with access to source materials

Materials: Source material collection, Inquiry cycle worksheet, Question generation protocol, Findings presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Think-Pair-Share

⏱ 15 min·Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: Is it Tech?

The teacher shows images of a pencil, a toaster, a rock, and a laptop. Students discuss with a partner which ones are 'technology' and why, focusing on the idea that tech is 'made to help us'.

Prepare & details

What would happen if the microwave in the kitchen stopped working?

Facilitation Tip: In the Think-Pair-Share activity, sit with pairs to model how to ask follow-up questions that push thinking deeper.

Setup: Standard classroom seating; students turn to a neighbor

Materials: Discussion prompt (projected or printed), Optional: recording sheet for pairs

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Role Play

⏱ 20 min·Small Groups

Role Play: A Day Without Tech

Students act out a simple scene, like making breakfast or coming to school, but they aren't allowed to use any technology. They then discuss what was harder and why we use those tools in the first place.

Prepare & details

How do computers and tablets help teachers and students in the classroom?

Facilitation Tip: Prepare props like a toy microwave or traffic cone for the role play so students can act out scenarios without distractions.

Setup: Open space or rearranged desks for scenario staging

Materials: Character cards with backstory and goals, Scenario briefing sheet

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Teaching This Topic

Teachers should start with familiar objects students see daily but rarely label as technology. Avoid overwhelming them with screens early. Begin with simple tools like a door handle or a thermometer, then gradually introduce more complex devices. Research shows that concrete examples build stronger mental models than abstract definitions alone.

What to Expect

Success looks like students confidently identifying everyday objects as technology and explaining how each one solves a problem or helps people. They should describe functions clearly and distinguish technology from non-technology items with examples.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

During the Tech Safari, watch for students pointing only to devices with screens or buttons.

What to Teach Instead

Bring a manual can opener or a light switch from your classroom. Ask students to explain how each solves a problem without a screen, then add these to their safari checklist.

Common Misconception

During the Think-Pair-Share activity, listen for students saying technology is only for fun or games.

What to Teach Instead

Use the school office or kitchen as an example. Have students list three tasks those spaces complete and identify the technology used, like a printer or fridge.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

After the Tech Safari, gather students and show them a picture of a classroom with mixed objects. Ask them to point to something that is technology and explain why. Then ask them to point to something that is not technology and explain why not.

Quick Check

During the Think-Pair-Share activity, observe pairs as they discuss. Listen for students naming the technology, describing its function, and giving at least one reason it is important to people.

Exit Ticket

After the Role Play activity, give each student a sticky note. Ask them to write one piece of technology they saw during the role play and one way it helps people. Collect these as they leave to review for patterns or misconceptions.

Extensions & Scaffolding

• Challenge students to find three pieces of technology at home that aren’t in the classroom, sketch them, and write one sentence about how each helps their family.
• For students who struggle, provide a picture bank of objects with labels like 'tech' or 'not tech' so they can match and discuss rather than create from scratch.
• Deeper exploration: Invite a local community helper (e.g., a nurse or shopkeeper) to visit and share how technology helps them do their job, then have students prepare questions in advance.

Key Vocabulary

Technology	Anything man-made that helps people solve a problem or do a task more easily.
Device	A piece of equipment or a mechanism designed to serve a special purpose, often electronic.
Function	The job or purpose that something is designed to do.
Input	Information or signals that are given to a computer or device.
Output	The result or information that a computer or device produces.