NST2602
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
Due 27 July 2025
,COVER PAGE
UNISA – COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Module Code: NST2602
Module Name: Natural Science and Technology for the Classroom 4
Assignment Number: 3
Assignment Due Date: 27 July 2025
Total Marks: 100
Student Name: _________________________________
Student Number: _________________________________
Semester: 2 (2025)
Lecturer: _________________________________
Title of Assignment:
The Role of Technology, Indigenous Knowledge, and Sustainability in Education
and Society
, Question 1
1.1 Meaning of Technology
Technology refers to the practical use of scientific knowledge to create tools, systems,
and devices that help solve problems and improve quality of life. Examples include
everyday items like mobile phones, wind energy generators, and equipment used in
farming (Volti, 2017).
1.2 Role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in Technology Development
Indigenous Knowledge Systems offer valuable, community-based insights that
contribute to the development of sustainable technologies. These include practices such
as traditional water harvesting, herbal medicine, and locally adapted farming methods.
IKS combines ancestral knowledge with innovation to guide environmentally conscious
and socially relevant solutions (Ocholla, 2007).
1.3 Key Steps in the Design Process in Technology Education
The design process in technology education involves the following steps:
1. Problem Identification – Clearly define the issue that needs a solution.
2. Investigation – Explore existing ideas and gather information.
3. Design – Plan and sketch possible solutions.
4. Making – Build or create the proposed solution.
5. Evaluation – Assess how well the solution works and refine it if necessary
(Mawson, 2003).
1.4 Conceptual Knowledge in Technology Education
Conceptual knowledge is the understanding of the ideas and principles behind how
technologies function. In the classroom, this allows learners to apply their understanding
in new contexts, helping them to solve unfamiliar problems effectively (Shulman, 1986).
1.5 Significance of IKS for Modern Engineering and Design
Indigenous knowledge provides sustainable and culturally relevant insights that modern
engineering can draw from. It supports innovative approaches in areas like eco-friendly
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
Due 27 July 2025
,COVER PAGE
UNISA – COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Module Code: NST2602
Module Name: Natural Science and Technology for the Classroom 4
Assignment Number: 3
Assignment Due Date: 27 July 2025
Total Marks: 100
Student Name: _________________________________
Student Number: _________________________________
Semester: 2 (2025)
Lecturer: _________________________________
Title of Assignment:
The Role of Technology, Indigenous Knowledge, and Sustainability in Education
and Society
, Question 1
1.1 Meaning of Technology
Technology refers to the practical use of scientific knowledge to create tools, systems,
and devices that help solve problems and improve quality of life. Examples include
everyday items like mobile phones, wind energy generators, and equipment used in
farming (Volti, 2017).
1.2 Role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in Technology Development
Indigenous Knowledge Systems offer valuable, community-based insights that
contribute to the development of sustainable technologies. These include practices such
as traditional water harvesting, herbal medicine, and locally adapted farming methods.
IKS combines ancestral knowledge with innovation to guide environmentally conscious
and socially relevant solutions (Ocholla, 2007).
1.3 Key Steps in the Design Process in Technology Education
The design process in technology education involves the following steps:
1. Problem Identification – Clearly define the issue that needs a solution.
2. Investigation – Explore existing ideas and gather information.
3. Design – Plan and sketch possible solutions.
4. Making – Build or create the proposed solution.
5. Evaluation – Assess how well the solution works and refine it if necessary
(Mawson, 2003).
1.4 Conceptual Knowledge in Technology Education
Conceptual knowledge is the understanding of the ideas and principles behind how
technologies function. In the classroom, this allows learners to apply their understanding
in new contexts, helping them to solve unfamiliar problems effectively (Shulman, 1986).
1.5 Significance of IKS for Modern Engineering and Design
Indigenous knowledge provides sustainable and culturally relevant insights that modern
engineering can draw from. It supports innovative approaches in areas like eco-friendly
