Section outline

  • THEMATIC FOCUS

    Technology and Innovation TEC
    Human adaptation and innovation have resulted in increased efficiency, comfort, and security, and technological advances have shaped human development and interactions with both intended and unintended consequences.

    LEARNING OBJECTIVE

    Unit 9: Learning Objective A
    Explain how the development of new technologies changed the world from 1900 to present.

    HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS

    KC-6.1.I.A
    New modes of communication—including radio communication, cellular communication, and the internet—as well as transportation, including air travel and shipping containers, reduced the problem of geographic distance.

    KC-6.1.I.D
    Energy technologies, including the use of petroleum and nuclear power, raised productivity and increased the production of material goods.

    KC-6.1.III.B
    More effective forms of birth control gave women greater control over fertility, transformed reproductive practices, and contributed to declining rates of fertility in much of the world.

    KC-6.1.I.B
    The Green Revolution and commercial agriculture increased productivity and sustained the earth’s growing population as it spread chemically and genetically modified forms of agriculture.

    KC-6.1.I.C
    Medical innovations, including vaccines and antibiotics, increased the ability of humans to survive and live longer lives.

    • Topic 9.1 Lesson Content File PDF

      Download and use this document for this lesson.

    • Topic 9.1 Lesson Video

      Watch this video for this lesson. 

       

       

    • Topic 9.1 MCQs Quiz
      Opened: Monday, 27 April 2026, 12:22 PM

      There are 25 questions in this exercise. Try to complete them within 8 minutes.

    • Topic 9.1 SAQ Practice Assignment
      Opened: Monday, 27 April 2026, 10:53 AM

      SAQ Set 1 (Stimulus-Based — Communication Technology)

      Stimulus:
      “In the late 20th century, digital communication technologies allowed individuals to exchange information instantly across continents, transforming economic and social interactions.”

      A. Identify ONE technological development that supports this statement.
      B. Explain ONE way this development changed global interactions.
      C. Explain ONE limitation or negative consequence of this development.

       

      SAQ Set 2 (Stimulus-Based — Agriculture & Population)

      Stimulus:
      “The introduction of high-yield crops and chemical fertilizers significantly increased food production in developing countries.”

      A. Identify ONE example of this development.
      B. Explain ONE effect on population growth.
      C. Explain ONE environmental or social consequence.

       

      SAQ Set 3 (Non-Stimulus — Social Change)

      Skill Focus: Causation

      A. Identify ONE technological development that affected gender roles after 1900.
      B. Explain ONE way this development changed women’s roles in society.
      C. Explain ONE broader social effect of this change.