In grades K - 4, children should have a variety of educational experiences that involve science and technology, sometimes in the same activity and other times separately. When the activities are informal and open, such as building a balance and comparing the weight of objects on it, it is difficult to separate inquiry from technological design. At other times, the distinction might be clear to adults but not to children. Children's abilities in technological problem solving can be developed by firsthand experience in tackling technological tasks. They also can study technological products and systems in their world.
Children can engage in projects that are appropriately challenging for their developmental level.
They can study existing products to determine function and try to identify problems solved, materials used, and how well a product does what it is supposed to do. An old technological device, such as an apple peeler, can be used as a mystery object for students to investigate and figure out what it does, how it helps people, and what problems it might solve and cause. Such activities provide excellent opportunities to direct attention to specific technology - the tools and instruments used in science. Suitable tasks for children at this age should have clearly defined purposes and be related with other content standards. Tasks should be conducted within immediately familiar contexts of the home and school.