Understanding modelling in technology and science

Authors: Bev France Vicki J Compton John K Gilbert

Publish Date: 2010/06/09

Volume: 21, Issue: 3, Pages: 381-394

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Abstract

This paper tells the story of how two biotechnologists used models one working as a technologist and the other as a scientist These stories were collected during the development of the key ideas about the nature of technology and technological knowledge during the latest curriculum development in New Zealand Their stories of how and why they used models provided insight into the different role of modelling in technology and science This difference can be linked to the fundamental difference between technology as a discipline that attempts to intervene in the world and create something other and science as a discipline that attempts to explain the world The stories illustrate the differences in the purpose outcome and the underpinning reasoning across technology and science We suggest that using such stories supports learning about the nature of technology and the nature of science and provides an opportunity to add a critical dimension to the development of technological literacy and scientific literacyThank you to Robert and Allen who explained their work so eloquently and provided resources to augment their fascinating stories Thank you also to the New Zealand Ministry of Education for funding the research from which these stories were developed

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