Lesson Overview

In this lesson students will learn how to collect information to evaluate its quality. Do you believe everything you hear? “You can’t judge a book by its cover” is an old saying that can also pertain to technology. A sales pitch for a new idea does not always reveal truth about a product or consequences of it use. In order to be technologically “fit”, you need to be able to evaluate and assess technology on your own.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop the abilities to assess the impact of products and systems (ITEA 13)

• Collect information and evaluate its quality (ITEA 13-J)
• Synthesize data, analyze trends, and draw conclusions regarding the effect of technology on the individual, society, and the environment (ITEA 13-K)
• Use assessment techniques, such as trend analysis and experimentation to make decisions about the future development of technology (ITEA 13-L)
• Design forecasting techniques to evaluate the results of altering natural systems. (ITEA 13-M)

Getting Started

To begin this lesson, consider the many sources you have for the information you use and need. Complete this categorization activity to identify reliable and unreliable information sources.