Unit 4 Overview: How Science and Technology Affect Our Lives

Unit 4 Intro

Unit 4 explores the effects of science and technology on people’s lives in French-speaking communities. While Science and Technology is the primary thematic focus of the unit, it is possible to integrate the additional themes of Global Challenges, Contemporary Life, and Personal and Public Identities. For example, students could:

• explore how developments in science can both create and resolve challenges in contemporary society.
• investigate how technology creates new ways for us to connect with others and how it impacts and shapes our personal and public identities.
• consider ways access to technology affects society and the quality of life.
• examine how science and technology affect the values and ethics of a community.

Science and technology have greatly improved the quality of life for people around the world. Medical advancements have led to longer life expectancies and treatments for previously incurable diseases. Technology has made communication and information more accessible, allowing people to connect with each other and access knowledge from anywhere

The Essential Questions for this unit are:

What factors drive innovation and discovery in the fields of science and technology?   Quels facteurs favorisent l'innovation et la découverte dans les sciences et la technologie?

What role do ethics play in scientific advancement?  Quel rôle l'éthique joue-t-elle dans l'avancement scientifique?

What are the social consequences of scientific or technological advancements?  Quelles sont les conséquences des avancements scientifique ou technologiques?

Strive for Five Vocabulary 🔑 

• L'innovation et la découverte - innovation and discovery
• Les sciences et la technologie - science and technology
• L'éthique - ethics
• L'avancement scientifique - scientific advancement

Possible Prompts on the Exam  

1. How have recent technological advancements affected those living in your community ?
2. How does the widespread use of cellphones affect teenagers?
3. How can scientific research, as well as technological advancements, help us in combatting climate change?
4. How can scientific research, as well as technological advancements, affect health care and patient well-being?