NAEP Technology and Engineering Literacy Grade 8 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the 'digital divide'?
- The gap between users who understand coding and those who do not
- The gap between people who have access to digital technology and those who do not (Correct answer)
- The difference in speed between old computers and new computers
- The boundary between online and offline content
Correct answer: The gap between people who have access to digital technology and those who do not
The digital divide refers to the gap between populations that have reliable access to digital technology (internet, computers) and those that do not.
Question 2: What is 'planned obsolescence' in technology?
- Designing products to eventually become outdated or stop working so consumers buy replacements (Correct answer)
- Planning the future development of new technologies
- Recycling old electronics to make new ones
- Creating technology that can be upgraded indefinitely
Correct answer: Designing products to eventually become outdated or stop working so consumers buy replacements
Planned obsolescence is when manufacturers intentionally design products with a limited useful life to encourage consumers to purchase newer versions.
Question 3: Which of the following is the best example of how technology has affected global food production?
- Television has made cooking shows more popular
- GPS-guided tractors and precision agriculture have increased crop yields (Correct answer)
- Refrigerators have become smaller and more energy-efficient
- Grocery stores now have self-checkout lanes
Correct answer: GPS-guided tractors and precision agriculture have increased crop yields
Precision agriculture using GPS, sensors, and data analysis has significantly increased crop yields and reduced waste in global food production.
Question 4: What is 'e-waste'?
- Electronic junk mail sent via the internet
- Discarded electronic devices and components (Correct answer)
- Energy wasted by inefficient electronic devices
- Errors in computer software code
Correct answer: Discarded electronic devices and components
E-waste refers to discarded electronic products such as old computers, phones, and televisions, which can contain hazardous materials.
Question 5: A village without electricity receives simple, low-cost solar lanterns that can be locally maintained. This is an example of which concept?
- Disruptive technology
- Appropriate technology (Correct answer)
- Emerging technology
- Proprietary technology
Correct answer: Appropriate technology
Appropriate technology refers to simple, affordable solutions that fit the specific needs and context of a community, especially in developing regions.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes sustainable technology?
- Technology that generates the highest profits for companies
- Technology that meets current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs (Correct answer)
- Technology that is made only from recycled materials
- Technology that requires no maintenance over its lifetime
Correct answer: Technology that meets current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs
Sustainable technology is designed to minimize environmental impact and resource use so that future generations can also meet their needs.
Question 7: A factory releases pollutants into a river while manufacturing electronic devices. This is an example of which type of technological impact?
- A positive economic impact
- An unintended negative environmental consequence (Correct answer)
- A planned design constraint
- A beneficial social outcome
Correct answer: An unintended negative environmental consequence
Pollution from manufacturing is an unintended negative consequence, illustrating that technologies often have side effects not part of their intended purpose.
NAEP Technology and Engineering Literacy Grade 8 2
What is the 'digital divide'?