Unit 11

Technology in
E veryday Life
Students’ Learning Outcomes After studying this unit, the students will be able to:
grow seasonal plants and vegetables in earthen pots and demonstrate the effect of use of fertilizers on
the growth of plants
prepare yoghurt and cheese from milk to demonstrate the beneficial microorganisms
design a solar oven to convert solar energy into heat energy
assemble a circuit to demonstrate the working of an electric bell

Technology is defined as a comprehensive process based on the application of Science and knowledge in
many areas of life in an orderly and thoughtful manner in order to achieve important and valuable purposes for
individuals and communities.
The advent of modern technology brought about great changes in our modern life. Before technology, man did not
know many modern means in his life but relied on simple primitive tools in everything.
Technology cannot be suitable for some tasks and has negative influences. Everyone determines and decides how to
use this technology in a negative or positive way.
Here we will discuss different aspect of technology in our daily life.

Importance of Technology in Agriculture

The following are some of the vegetables you can grow in pots and keep them in your balcony or terrace.
Peas Tomatoes Brinjal Spinach Lettuce Fenugreek
Leaves Beetroot Onion
Let us discuss some of these vegetables in detail and effects of fertilizer on that vegetable.
Growing Seasonal Plants in Earthen Pots
Growing seasonal plants in earthen pots is a great way to learn about plant growth and the effects of
fertilizers on plant growth. We can grow different types of seasonal plants.
a) Summer Plants
For the summer season, you can grow plants like tomatoes,
cucumbers, peppers, and eggplants. These plants require lots of sunlight
and warm temperatures.
b) Winter Plants
(a) Cucumber (b) Peppers
For the winter season, you can
(a) Carrots (b) Beetroots
grow plants like carrots, beets, broccoli,
and cauliflower. These plants
prefer cooler temperatures and require
less water than summer plants.
(c) Cauliflower (d) Pea Plants (c) Eggplants (d) Tomatoes
Fig.11.2: Winter Plants Fig.11.1: Summer Plants

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 EXERCISE
Choose the correct answer from the given options:
1 Application of fertilizers in plant field:
(a)increase the yield (b) decrease the yield
(c) destroy the plant (d) make a new plant
2 An electromagnet is type of:
(a) permanent magnet (b) temporary magnet
(c) bar magnet (d) U-Shaped magnet
3 The main product of fermented milk is:
(a) youghurt (b) milk (c) salt (d) sugar
4 Which type of energy resource the solar oven is?
a) renewable (b) non-renewable (c) balanced (d) non-balanced
5 Cooking food in solar oven takes:
(a) more time (b) less time
(c) no time (d) cannot be cooked in solar oven

Write short answers of the following questions:

1 Define technology.
Ans: Technology is the application of scientific knowledge and skills for practical purposes. It involves the use of
tools, machines, systems, and techniques to solve problems and achieve specific goals.

2 What is fertilizer?
Ans: Fertilizer is a substance or a mixture of substances added to soil or plants to supply essential nutrients that
promote plant growth. These nutrients often include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
3 How the beneficial microorganisms help to prepare cheese from milk?

Ans: Beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria and enzymes, play a crucial role in the fermentation process
of cheese-making. They help in curdling of milk, separating curds from whey, and contribute to the flavour
and texture of the final product.

4 Write working principle of a solar oven.

Ans: A solar oven works on the principle of converting sunlight into heat. It typically consists of reflective
surfaces that focus sunlight onto a cooking chamber. The concentrated sunlight raises the temperature
inside the chamber, allowing food to be cooked or baked without the need for conventional fuel sources.
5 Enlist the materials required to make an electric bell.
Ans: The materials required to make an electric bell include: ·Electromagnet ·Armature ·Spring ·Hammer
·Gongs or bells ·Switch ·Battery or power source Wires for electrical connections

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 Write the detailed answers of the following questions:
1 Discuss the effects of use of fertilizers on the growth of plants
Ans: Effects of the Use of Fertilizers on the Growth of Plants:
Fertilizers provide essential nutrients to plants, promoting their growth. However, excessive use can have
adverse effects. High concentrations of fertilizers may lead to: Nutrient Imbalance: Excessive application
of specific nutrients can imbalance the soil composition, affecting plant health.
Environmental Pollution: Runoff from fertilized fields can contaminate water bodies, causing
eutrophication and harming aquatic ecosystems.
Soil Degradation: Continuous use of synthetic fertilizers may degrade soil structure and reduce its fertility
over time.
Health Risks: Residues from fertilizers can enter the food chain, posing health risks to humans and
animals.
2 Write the steps for the preparation of yoghurt.
Ans: Steps for the Preparation of Yoghurt:
Heat Milk: Heat fresh milk to around 85°C to kill unwanted bacteria and denature proteins.
Cool Milk: Allow the milk to cool to a temperature suitable for bacterial fermentation (around 45-50°C).
Add Starter Culture: Introduce a small amount of yoghurt with live cultures (or a commercial starter) to
the cooled milk.
Incubate: Keep the milk in a warm environment to allow bacterial fermentation. This can be done in a
warm room or using a yoghurt maker.
Check Consistency: After a few hours, check the consistency and taste. Once desired, refrigerate to stop
the fermentation process.
3 Describe the procedure to design a solar oven.
Ans: Procedure to Design a Solar Oven: Materials:
·Reflective material (aluminum foil or reflective sheets) ·Cardboard or lightweight material for the
structure ·Insulating material (foam board or newspaper) ·Clear plastic or glass sheet
Construction:
Build a box with reflective material on the inner walls.
Insulate the box using insulating material.
Create a lid with a clear plastic or glass sheet to allow sunlight to enter.
Reflectors:
Attach reflectors on the sides of the box to concentrate sunlight towards the cooking chamber.
Usage:
Place food in the cooking chamber and position the solar oven to face the Sun.
The reflective surfaces concentrate sunlight, generating heat for cooking.
4 Explain the working of an electric bell with the help of the its electric circuit.
Ans: An electric bell operates as follows:
Components:
Electromagnet attracts the armature when the circuit is closed.
When the armature is attracted, it strikes the gong or bell.
A spring provides tension for the armature to return to its original position.
A switch controls the flow of current.
Electric Circuit:
When the switch is closed, current flows through the circuit.
The electromagnet becomes magnetized and attracts the armature.
The armature strikes the gong, producing sound.

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