Read the following definitions Science is knowledge and theories about the world, which are based on facts, experiments and research. Technology is the use of scientific knowledge and discoveries to develop new machines and systems. Engineering means the activity of designing and building roads, bridges, machines, etc. High-tech means using the latest technology.
An invention is a new product, machine, system, etc., which someone has thought for the first time. A discovery is a fact or thing that someone has found out about, which was not known about before. A technological/scientific/medical advance happens when smth. brings progress and makes it possible for people to do the things that they couldn’t do before.
Read and match the words (1-7) with their definitions (a-g). Science and Technology 1. Science a) The use of scientific knowledge and discoveries to develop new machines and systems 2. Technology b) The activity of designing and building roads, bridges, machines, etc. 3. Engineering c) Knowledge and theories about the world which are based on facts experiments, research 4. An invention d) When smth. brings progress and makes it possible for people to do the things that they couldn’t do before. 5. A discovery e) Using the latest technology. 6. A technological advance f) A new product, machine, system, etc., which someone has thought of for the first time. 7. High-tech g) A fact or thing that someone has found out about, which was not known about before.
Complete the sentences with the words from the vocabulary file 1) Most important of all, it helps make _______ communication more effective. 2) The _______ of the silicon chip was a landmark in the history of the computer. 3) In 1880 Alexander Graham Bell was granted a _______ on an apparatus for signalling and communicating called a Photophone. 4) The discovery of _______ was a major step forward in the treatment of infections. 5) With the help of ______, we can light our rooms, run buses and trains, and draw water for irrigation. 6) Tom _______special attention. 7) It was a shock to ______ he couldn't read. 8) He is now remembered and honored as the ______ of the steamboat. 9) A ______ can do some tasks better than a person can.
Answer the questions Which inventions can’t you live without? Why? Do you think that inventions are actually getting better or more complicated? Are you afraid of or excited about technology? Which of them do you like to use? Do you feel that we are more and more controlled by machines? Do you believe that we will live in computerized homes in the near future? How do you imagine your future home?