Stuff That Works!

Gary Benenson and Jim Neujahr of City College of NY worked for more than 10 years with teachers from New York City and elsewhere in creating the technology-oriented series published by Heinemann called Stuff That Works! Topics covered in this series include simple machines, packaging, symbol systems, mapping and designed environments. DITC showcases the STW! Shopping Bag activity in its pages.

Learners investigate low- or no-cost technologies, which carry the advantages of being readily available and familiar to learners. Sometimes, this work with everyday devices and systems leads to students redesigning them. Strategies linked to these tech ed-related materials include collecting materials and instances of ubiquitous technology for study in a Scavenger Hunt and then analyzing those items as systems.