Modern Texas : Chapter 26 Lesson 2

Modern Texas : Chapter 26 Lesson 2

Science and Technology

Terms to know

• biomedical: having to do with the intersection of medicine and natural sciences

• robotics: the science and technology of robot design, manufacture, and use

• genetic: relating to genes; places on chromosomes determining a person's inherited features

• incentive: something that motivates or encourages a certain outcome or behavior

• startup: a new company formed by an entrepreneur

Multiple Choice

A new company formed by an entrepreneur is commonly known as a:

• kid company

• baby company

• entrepreneurship

• startup

Multiple Choice

The science and technology of robot design and manufacture is known as:

• manufacturing

• genetics

• robotics

• civil engineering

Open Ended

Let's test your knowledge ahead of time:

What does high tech mean?

Open Ended

Where is the Johnson Space Center? What is its significance?

High-Tech Texas

Technology is the application of scientific discoveries for practical use. It includes any tool, from a stick for digging to a vehicle for exploring space. High technology (or high tech) refers to tools that are based on the latest scientific knowledge and manufacturing processes. High-tech tools include computers, smartphones, and robots. The term also describes businesses that use these tools. For decades, Texas has been a leader in the high-tech industry. 

Science and Technology

• In the 1960s, the Johnson Space Center was built in Houston as a key part of the U.S. Space Program

• Over the years, the Johnson Space Center has carried out important work on the space program, biomedical research, robotics, aircraft design, and telecommunications.

• Many of the ideas pioneered by the JSC have been used by companies to develop consumer products.

Multiple Choice

Why would it be a benefit to the Texas economy to have the Johnson Space Center in Houston?

• It promotes educational opportunities in math, engineering, and other areas of study.

• It creates good jobs for the Texas economy.

• Texans and Texas companies can benefit from some of the discoveries from their advanced research.

• All of these are benefits to Texas.

Computers

Texas companies have been leaders in computer innovation for a long time. In the 1960s, Texas Instruments began to produce semiconductors. This was the foundation for modern electronics and computers. In the 1990s, the company led the way in producing scientific calculators. Dell Computers is another Texas success. Michael Dell, a student at the University of Texas at Austin, founded the company in 1984. It has grown into one of the largest computer makers in the world. Dell pioneered a new level of customer service in the computer industry. Dell was the first computer company to let customers order a computer with the exact features they wanted.

Multiple Select

Several of the major players involved in the computer business in Texas are:

(check all that apply)

• Apple

• Jack in the Box

• Texas Instruments

• Dell

Medical

Texas also remains innovative in medical research and technology. In the 1960s, doctors Michael DeBakey and Denton Cooley pioneered heart transplants. They both went on to found research institutes dedicated to finding new treatments for heart conditions. The Texas Heart Institute, founded by Dr. Cooley, pioneered the use of laser surgery on the heart and blood vessels in the 1980s. In the 1990s, it began using mechanical heart pumps. Its newest pumps are so effective that patients who get them don’t need heart transplants

Additional Medical Impacts

• The Institute for Cancer Care Innovation at the MD Anderson

  Cancer Center conducts cancer research. In the 1990s, the Institute

  was one of the first to use a multidisciplinary approach. In this

  approach, a team of doctors, each with a different specialty, works

  together to find the best treatment for each patient. The Institute

  has had great success

• The Texas Medical Center is the largest medical complex in

  the world. It is based in Houston, but its member institutions

  (more than 50 nonprofit institutions) are located all over the

  state.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following are benefits to Texas from having a high quality of medical care?

• People want to live in places with quality medical care

• Hospitals create high paying jobs

• Research, innovation, and healthcare success are all positive drivers for Texas

• All of these answers are true

Multiple Choice

Two of the doctors who were pioneers in medical research and innovation in Texas were:

• Abbott and Costello

• Dr. John Miller and Dr. Jack Brown

• Dr. Zhivago and Dr. Who

• Dr. Michael DeBakey and Dr. Denton Cooley

What is a business incubator?

Several universities in Texas support entrepreneurs through

special programs called business incubators. These programs offer

help for new businesses, especially high-tech businesses. That help

may include low-cost office space, monetary incentives, or technical

advice from university professors. Incubators also help business

owners connect to investors who can provide funds for their new

ventures.

Multiple Select

Why would it be a benefit to live in a state that promotes innovation in technology, science, healthcare, business, and other sectors?

(check all that apply)

• Higher paying jobs

• High quality universities

• High quality healthcare

• Higher quality of living