TECHISTORY
Lesson 1 of 6
Technoworld: Agent Shmoo Meets TRON
Lesson Description: In this lesson, students are introduced to the world of technology through the concept of product design and
marketing. Students will discuss today's technology, create an imaginary invention, and develop the marketing plan for their
invention. While this lesson is designed for middle school, it is scalable up or down based on instructor modifications.
Date(s):
TBD
Grade Level(s):
6-8
Lesson Duration (Hours/Sessions): 1 hr/2 sessions
ELPS (English Language Proficiency Standards): If
applicable
ELL Learning Strategies:
Listening:
Reading:
Speaking:
Writing:
Technology: If applicable; use short descriptive statements
Foundations: Students will demonstrate knowledge of
hardware & software in addition to linking technology to
future careers, life-long learning, & daily life.
Information Acquisition: Students will be able to acquire
and evaluation electronic information in a variety of
formats.
Solving Problems: Students will be able to use research
skills and electronic information to create new knowledge .
Communication: Students will evaluate technological
applications for relevance to task at hand.
Key Vocabulary Terms/Academic Language:
Standards & Language Objectives
Focused TEKS: Primary TEKS covered are all aspects of 126.B.12. Secondary TEKS that are incorporated
include 113.B.22-24 & 120.A.2. Additional TEKS can be incorporated based on specific focus and desired
outcomes by the instructor. If lesson is scaled up or down, TEKS should be adjusted accordingly.
Language & Technology Objectives:
Lesson Description
Texas ACE Lesson Plan
TECHISTORY
Technology, Gadget, Gizmo, Concept, Scenario, Product, Invention, Blueprint, Annotations, Plausible,
Futurists, Allocation, Society, Virtual World, Product Design, Product Marketing Plan, Product Placement
Lesson Materials: Computer, Projector or
Electronic Whiteboard, pen/pencils, paper, poster
board, markers/colored pencils.
Lesson Resources: Handouts (Agency Intro, Top 50, Shmoo
Room Preparation/Materials Set-Up:
Grouping of Students/Parents/Family:
Any standard classroom is acceptable. The groups will need a
large flat surface to work on when designing their
presentations. Tables in the round are best, but any
combination can work. An ideal setting would have some
available computer stations for research and the teacher
should have a computer connected to a projector or an
interactive whiteboard.
The activity begins as an entire group and then breaks into
smaller groups of 4 to 5. It is suggested that the groups selfselect but other strategies can be used based on the overall
group dynamic.
Whole Group
Grouping Strategy
Pairs
Counting Off
Triads
Common Interests
Groups of 4 or 5
Self-chosen
Other: __________
Common Tasks
Other:____________
Profile, Tron Profile), www.youtube.com,
www.technologyreview.com.
Lesson Resources & Set-Up
Page 1 of 4
TECHISTORY
Lesson 1 of 6
Procedures:
Engage
Guiding Questions:
Length (Time): 30 minutes
Explore
Length (Time): 30 minutes
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What is the name of your technological
concept or device?
What does it do?
What technological basis is your device
built upon? Using resources on hand, find
supporting evidence for your concept (i.e.
The ID technology in Minority Report is
built upon existing retina scanning
technology).
How does the device work?
What does the device look like?
In what ways does the device make the
movie better? What about society?
Page 2 of 4
Explore
Step 1) Ask the trainees to form groups of four or five. Explain
that The Agency has been contracted by several different movie
studios to develop "cool" technology for a variety of concepts.
The technology has to be believable but doesn't have to exist.
The catch is that the technology has to be based on real-world
technology (refer to brainstorm list for ideas ). Each team will be
given a different scenario for their technology concept.
 Group 1 = Disaster Movie (i.e. 2012, Armageddon)
 Group 2 = Outer Space Movie (i.e. Star Trek, Star Wars)
 Group 3 = Futuristic Detective Movie (i.e. Minority Report)
 Group 4 = Medical Emergency Movie (i.e. I Am Legend)
 Group 5 = Virtual World Movie (i.e. Matrix, Terminator)
Step 2) Instruct each group that they have 30 minutes to invent
the technological concept or device that will make a difference
in the movie? This may mean that they will have to define the
movie a little (i.e. set up a storyline). Each group is to use any
resources (i.e. internet access) on hand but mainly rely on their
own creativity. Have each group keep their own notes and
explain that the groups will need their notes for the next session.
[END OF SESSION 1]
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So, do you think you can handle The
Agency training? Ready to begin?
Which invention of the past 50 years do
you feel has had the most impact on
society? Why?
Are there any inventions not included on
this list that you feel should be? Why?
Does this video seem real? What seems
real and what seems like fiction?
What movies have the coolest
technology? TV? Internet?
Why are these inventions (real or not)
cool? Why are they useful or are they?
Engage
Step 1) Introduce group to The Agency and the corresponding
training regimen (See Agency Intro Handout).
Step 2) Hand out the Popular Mechanics article about the Top 50
inventions for the past 50 years or hand select some of the
inventions and highlight on a whiteboard or projection. Discuss
as a group how technology has changed.
Step 3) Access YouTube and go to the Microsoft Office Labs
Vision 2019 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ff7SzP4gfg).
Show video to trainees and share thoughts.
Step 4) On a dry erase board, brainstorm with the entire group
for the coolest technology showcased in movies, TV, or on the
internet. Highlight the items that are based on existing
technology (i.e. Automatic cars that drive themselves in I, Robot
are just an expansion of existing GPS technology like OnStar).
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TECHISTORY
Lesson 1 of 6
Procedures:
Explain
Guiding Questions:
Length (Time): 25 mins
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Elaborate (Create)
Length (Time): 30 minutes
Evaluate
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Why is your idea the best and what value
will it bring to my movie?
Do you think your idea could be created
in real life?
Why will the public like your idea? Will it
become popular?
Elaborate
Step 1) Ask one or two other instructors (or volunteers) to
participate as studio execs.
Step 2) Have each group present their concept to the studio
execs, giving only 5 minutes per group. Allow some time for the
studio execs to ask questions.
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Explain
Step 1) [Beginning of Session 2] Have the trainees get together in
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their groups. Pass out to each group a poster board and
markers/colored pencils.
Step 2) Explain that each group will have 5 minutes to "pitch"
their idea to the studio execs. Trainees need to develop a
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blueprint of their device with annotations to explain how it
works and the sections. They will need to choose a presentation
method (i.e. group taking turns, spokesman, commercial style,
etc...).
Step 3) Set the time limit for working on the entire package as 20
minutes. Be sure to give a 5 minute warning.
Step 4) When it is time, randomly select the order for presenting
and explain that all groups will need to observe the other
groups.
How will you convince the studio execs
that your idea is the most plausible?
Do you think a good presentation can
make up for a poor product or does it
only enhance a good product into a great
pitch?
How do you think ideas are presented to
studio execs in the "non-Agency" world?
Length (Time): 5 minutes
Take some time to think about how
technology has changed and what
technology could look like in the
future.
During this exercise, where you able
to really connect with an idea or
concept? What and Why?
How do you think technology gets
invented in the non-Agency world?
Page 3 of 4
Evaluate
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Step 1) Congratulate all Agency trainees for a job well-done.
Step 2) Ask each trainee to reflect on the exercise and then ask a
few to share what they learned.
Step 3) Do a pulse check to see if trainees have made the
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connection between this exercise and creative imagining for
product design.
Step 4) Take pictures of each poster board for future media
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presentation opportunities.
Step 5) Introduce group to Agent Shmoo and TRON (use profile
handouts). Explain that in the next session, Agent Shmoo is going
to take the trainees on a journey with TRON through the world
of technology.
TECHISTORY
Lesson 1 of 6
Procedures:
Guiding Questions:
Closing Activity/Reflection: (Can be part of the Evaluate section above)
See Evaluation Section above. An additional activity can be to assign "homework" where each trainee observes a new
technology and brings back the information to class.
and select Checked)
Certified Teacher
College Student
Volunteer
Para-professional
Other:
Lesson Reflection: (Please complete after the lesson.)
What are some modifications you made along the way? How would you assess student/parent/family learning and
understanding? What are some things you would do differently?
Page 4 of 4
Lesson Reflection
Instructor: (Select who is delivering this activity by right-clicking on the appropriate box below and selecting Properties