One of the most significant technological issues of the 21st Century is finding a way to fulfill the energy demands without destroying the environment through global warming and climate change. Worldwide human population is on the rise, and with it, the demand for more energy in pursuit of a higher quality of life. In the meantime, as people use…

Alternative energy sources have become increasingly important as the production of domestic oil has declined and dependence on foreign oil has increased. Historically, there have been four time periods during which the United States was in fact crippled by oil shortages. These time periods include: (1) the early 1900s; (2) World War II; (3) the…

This article presents the author's critique on Stephen L. Baird's article in the November 2008 issue of "The Technology Teacher", which describes a contemporary debate about opening more U.S. land and coastal regions to oil and gas exploration and production (E&P). While Baird's thesis epitomizes the goal of a technologically literate citizen, his…

Recently, the price of gasoline seems to keep going up and up with seemingly no limit in sight. Accordingly, the price of a barrel of oil is in excess of sixty dollars today, when just a few years ago it was around twelve to fifteen dollars a barrel. There are many intertwined answers as to why the price of oil and gasoline are increasing.…

Discusses the wide variety of energy resources. Suggests that increasing demands are being placed on traditional sources and that new developments will be needed to maintain and improve the quality of the environment. Includes a student learning activity. (JOW)

The technological literacy standards were developed to act as a beacon for educators to guide them in their quest to develop a population of technically literate citizens who possess the skills, abilities, and knowledge necessary to actively and constructively participate in the democratic, technologically dependent society of the United States.…