Understanding Technology is designed for middle school introductory technology education courses. The text explains technology, what it is, how it works, and how it affects our lives. Text content centers around the four basic industrial technology systems of manufacturing, construction, communication, and transportation. It introduces students to important topics such as resources, design, production systems, and biorelated systems. This text not only provides students with a basic knowledge of technology, it will help them develop problem-solving abilities, assess and apply technology, and develop communication skills.