Technology made from natural materials

What is technology? Technology is created using scientific knowledge to design something that is practical. You use many different types of technology every day. Some technologies are simpler than others. A toothbrush is an example of technology. A plastic straw is an example of technology. Other technologies are more complex, like a digital watch, or a cellphone. There are many more examples of everyday technology.

Now, can you think of any technologies that are made from natural materials?

Here are some examples.

Seasonal navigation methods

The Kitchinuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation north of Thunder Bay, Ontario traditionally changed their transportation style on the season. Why do you think that is? Yes, you guessed it… because of snow!

Explore this video entitled “Transportation” to learn more about the traditional Oji-Cree methods of navigating the land during different seasons:

After examining the video, check your understanding by sorting each statement into the correct True or False category below.

Use the following checklist to self-assess your understanding of the video.

Inventing the canoe: an Indigenous contribution

Throughout history, people have invented the tools that they needed to survive. Indigenous peoples have adapted their lifestyles, approaches and technologies based on their observations in a changing environment for as long as can be remembered. Travelling by foot over rugged parts of the land that were filled with thick forests proved to be a challenge. To solve their transportation problem, First Nations people invented the birch bark canoe.

Indigenous peoples noticed that travelling by lakes and waterways was a faster and more efficient option. They also knew that birch bark was waterproof, pliable, and lightweight due to the natural oils contained in the bark. Using these local natural resources, First Nations people created the birch bark canoe to navigate the land by water, allowing them to hunt and trade between nations. European explorers and the voyageurs were so impressed with the usefulness of the birch bark canoe that they adopted it to explore the lands and waterways. It also became extremely useful to the fur trade industry.

Check out the following video entitled “The Mystery of the R—r” to learn more about how canoes allowed Indigenous peoples and voyageurs to navigate Canada’s natural waterways.

While it may have evolved since the time period explored in the video clip, the canoe continues to be useful, and is just as important to Indigenous peoples in connecting with their culture and traditions. Today, scientists also use canoes to travel in shallow and/or protected areas to study plant and animal life. Canoes also help to avoid disrupting the local wild and aquatic life.

Consider what you observed in this video clip about the birch bark canoe and respond to the following questions using a method of your choice.

How were rivers and lakes used like “highways”?

Press ‘Answer’ to access a possible response.

Answer

How does canoe transportation help to protect natural habitats?

Press ‘Answer’ to access a possible response.

Answer

Studying to protect water habitats

Some forms of transportation are less harmful on the environment than others. Because of the way that they can quietly navigate waterways without causing much disruption, canoes have also been important for scientists who study animals that live in water.

For example, the scientific study of turtles and their habitat calls for very quiet navigation on the water by the scientists!

Examine the following video entitled “Trappin’ Snappers” to learn more about how the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station has been observing snapping turtles in the area:

Consider what you observed in the video clip about the study of snapping turtles at the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station, and respond to the following question prompts using your own words.

• Describe the habitat the snapping turtle lives in.
• Explain how snapping turtles hibernate.
• What adaptation has the snapping turtle made so that it can stay underwater all winter?
• How do snapping turtles protect themselves from predators?
• Explain how humans are the main danger to turtles.

You may complete the Exploring Snapping Turtle Habitats activity in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio tools to record your thoughts.

The aquatic habitat of the snapping turtle provides the necessities for it to survive. As long as humans continue to respect the needs of the snapping turtle, they will continue to thrive. Thanks to the canoe, biologists can continue to study the snapping turtles and support their survival.

Electrofishing

Just as the invention of the canoe supported Indigenous peoples with hunting and transportation, a type of technology used for electrofishing helps scientists study the marine species found in local waterways. This approach is particularly useful for identifying at-risk species and how best to help them survive.

Examine the following video entitled “Suckers!” to learn more about how the habitat of the White Sucker fish is being studied using electrofishing.

As you are reviewing the clip, consider which factors allow the White Sucker to interact with other species in their water habitat?

Check your understanding of electrofishing for White Suckers in the following true-or-false activity. Review each question and select the option you believe to be true:

Mix and match

Match each word with the correct definition. For each word, select the corresponding definition.

Natural habitats near me

What do you think?

Reflect on the following questions:

• What actions can humans take to protect the habitat of plants and animals?
• Can you think of a technology that negatively impacts the natural habitats for plants and animals in your community?
• Can you think of a technology that positively impacts the natural habitats for plants and animals in your community?

Complete the In Your Community activity in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.