New Perspectives in Science Education

Due to interdependences between science and economy, it is crucial that students are not only familiar with scientific concepts, but also with fundamental aspects of technological development and innovation. As a basic distinction, Schumpeter described innovation as a stepwise process of invention, innovation and diffusion. [1] Further concepts that describe innovation processes in general are typically distinguishing between the phases of introduction, growth, maturity, and renewal. [2] Closely related to this is the technology life cycle according to Horsch, which distinguishes between pacemaker technology, key technology and basic technology. [3]

This article presents, after describing definitions of technology and innovation, approaches for teaching an innovation cycle and technology life cycle in science class using the example of solar cells. The technological development of solar cells demonstrates influences of basic research, applied science, politics and economics. Furthermore, students can illustrate the innovation cycle graphically using the example of solar cells and compare it with innovation processes in other areas. In addition, the treatment of innovation cycles offers the opportunity to discuss technological developments, to classify them in the models of the technology life cycle and innovation cycle and to assess whether they can be seen as future technologies.