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AP Italian
Unit 4 Overview and Possible Essay Prompts: Science & Technology in Italy
4.1 How Science and Technology Affect Our Lives
4.2 Energy Use
4.3 The Internet
4.4 Major Technological Advances

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Unit 4 Overview and Possible Essay Prompts: Science & Technology in Italy

Verified for the 2025 AP Italian exam•Last Updated on June 18, 2024

Unit Overview

Unit 4 focuses on the effects of science and technology on people's lives in Italian-speaking communities and societies. The primary theme is science and technology, but there are also connections to other units such as global challenges, contemporary life, and personal and public identities. 

Essential Questions

Here are some questions to guide your studying:

  • What factors drive innovation and discovery in the fields of science and technology?
  • What role do ethics play in scientific advancement?
  • What are the social consequences of scientific or technological advancements?

Themes

  • Scienza e tecnologia / Science and Technology
  • Sfide globali / Global Challenges
  • Vita contemporanea / Contemporary Life
  • Identità privata e pubblica / Personal and Public Identities

Objectives

  • Explore how developments in science can both create and resolve challenges in contemporary society.
  • Investigate how technology creates new ways for us to connect with others and how it impacts and shapes our personal and public identities.
  • Consider ways access to technology affects society and the quality of life.
  • Examine how science and technology affect the values and ethics of a community.

Sample Prompts

It's important to practice the FRQ portion, here are some sample prompts!

What is the opinion of people in regard to the importance of using cars?

Negli Stati Uniti, la maggior parte delle persone ha un'auto perché è un modo conveniente per andare al lavoro. In Italia, le auto sono viste nelle principali città ed entrambi i paesi hanno ora alti tassi di inquinamento e problemi con il traffico, ma a differenza degli Stati Uniti, gli italiani usano spesso i mezzi pubblici (metropolitana, treno, ecc.). Tuttavia, le automobili consentono alle persone di percorrere lunghe distanze e spesso sono uno status symbol.

What is the opinion of the people in regard to the "brain drain?"

Uno dei maggiori problemi in Italia è che a causa della debole economia, molte persone giovani e intelligenti stanno lasciando il Paese per ricevere migliori opportunità. Di conseguenza, questo danneggia l'economia italiana perché il paese perde menti brillanti, ma impedisce anche all'Italia di fare progressi e invenzioni scientifiche e tecnologiche.

How do science and technological innovations evolve and change communities?

I progressi scientifici e tecnologici si evolvono nel tempo grazie all'aumento della ricerca e dei finanziamenti del governo. L'Italia sta investendo denaro per migliorare le scuole di scienza e le organizzazioni di ricerca perché riconoscono che hanno bisogno di una tecnologia più grande per competere con altri paesi e anche per rendere la vita più facile e migliore per i loro cittadini.

What is the role of technology in an increasingly connected world?

La tecnologia collega persone di tutto il mondo perché al giorno d'oggi, tutti hanno un cellulare e un computer. Ciò consente una maggiore comunicazione tra diversi gruppi di persone e un aumento del settore imprenditoriale. Ora si crede che più una persona è connessa, più opportunità ha per il successo.

What scientific and technological challenges does the reality in which you live face?

Una delle maggiori sfide in Italia è l'uso di combustibili fossili. Non ci sono molte risorse disponibili nel paese, quindi sono limitate, i prezzi sono alti e tutti danneggiano l'ambiente. Per migliorare la situazione, ci sono molte iniziative per passare all'energia riutilizzabile e pulita, e cambiare la mentalità delle persone inizia con un'istruzione adeguata nelle scuole.

Remember: these are just examples...

Key Terms to Review (16)

Brain Drain: Brain Drain refers to the emigration of highly skilled and educated individuals from one country to another, often resulting in a significant loss of talent and expertise in the home country. This phenomenon can have serious implications for the economic development and innovation capacity of the origin country, as it struggles to retain its brightest minds while facing competition from more developed nations offering better opportunities.
Cellulare (Cellphone): A cellulare, or cellphone, is a portable electronic device that enables users to make and receive calls, send messages, and access various applications over a wireless network. This term has evolved with technology, now encompassing smartphones that provide extensive internet connectivity and multimedia capabilities, significantly impacting communication and daily life.
Combustibili Fossili: Combustibili fossili sono fonti di energia derivanti dalla decomposizione di organismi vegetali e animali sepolti nel terreno per milioni di anni. Questi combustibili, come il carbone, il petrolio e il gas naturale, hanno alimentato l'industrializzazione e continuano a essere fondamentali per l'economia globale, influenzando anche il cambiamento climatico e la sostenibilità ambientale.
Computer: A computer is an electronic device that processes data according to a set of instructions, known as programs. It performs a wide range of tasks, from basic calculations to complex simulations, making it an essential tool in various fields such as education, business, and research.
Economia (Economy): Economia refers to the system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services in a society. It encompasses various elements such as markets, resources, and labor that interact to shape how wealth is created and shared. Understanding economia is essential as it affects everything from personal finance to global trade dynamics.
Energia Riutilizzabile e Pulita: Energia Riutilizzabile e Pulita refers to energy sources that are sustainable and environmentally friendly, often derived from natural processes that are continuously replenished. This type of energy minimizes pollution and reduces the carbon footprint, making it a crucial aspect in the conversation about climate change and environmental conservation. It encompasses various forms of renewable energy, which are essential for transitioning to a more sustainable energy future.
Finanziamenti del governo (Government funding): Finanziamenti del governo refers to the financial support provided by a government to various sectors, including public services, infrastructure, research, and economic development. This funding is essential for the functioning of public institutions and often aims to stimulate growth, create jobs, and enhance overall societal well-being. It plays a critical role in shaping policies and programs that can drive innovation and improve quality of life.
Identità privata e pubblica: Identità privata e pubblica refers to the distinction between an individual's personal identity, which encompasses private thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and public identity, which involves how one is perceived in social contexts and by society at large. This duality plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's interactions, self-perception, and societal roles.
Inquinamento: Inquinamento refers to the contamination or degradation of the environment due to harmful substances or pollutants. It can occur in various forms, such as air, water, and soil pollution, and has significant effects on human health, wildlife, and ecosystems. Understanding inquinamento is crucial for addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices.
Mezzi pubblici: Mezzi pubblici refers to public transportation systems that provide shared travel options for individuals in urban and suburban areas. These systems include buses, trams, subways, and trains, playing a crucial role in facilitating mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting sustainable transportation options. Understanding mezzi pubblici is essential for grasping how cities manage transit needs and the impact on daily life and the environment.
Metropolitana: Metropolitana refers to a subway or underground railway system that operates in urban areas, providing efficient and rapid transportation for commuters. It plays a vital role in city life, connecting different neighborhoods and reducing traffic congestion, making it an essential feature of modern metropolitan areas.
Progressi scientifici e tecnologici (Scientific and Technological Advancements): Progressi scientifici e tecnologici refers to the advancements and innovations in science and technology that significantly impact society, culture, and the economy. These advancements can lead to new discoveries, improved processes, and enhanced quality of life. They encompass various fields such as medicine, engineering, communication, and environmental science, reflecting the continuous pursuit of knowledge and efficiency.
Ricerca (Research): Ricerca, which translates to 'research' in English, refers to the systematic investigation and study aimed at discovering new knowledge or validating existing information. This term is integral to various fields such as science, humanities, and social sciences, as it encompasses both qualitative and quantitative methods used to gather data, analyze results, and draw conclusions that contribute to broader understanding and innovation.
Scienza e tecnologia: Scienza e tecnologia refers to the fields of science and technology that encompass the study, development, and application of knowledge and tools to understand and manipulate the natural world. This term highlights the interconnectedness of scientific inquiry and technological advancement, emphasizing how discoveries in science lead to innovations in technology, which in turn impact various aspects of society, culture, and the economy.
Sfide globali: Sfide globali refers to the significant challenges and issues that transcend national borders, impacting societies worldwide. These challenges often include environmental concerns, economic disparities, health crises, and social inequalities that require coordinated global efforts to address effectively. Understanding these issues is crucial for developing solutions and fostering international collaboration.
Vita contemporanea: Vita contemporanea refers to the modern lifestyle and societal dynamics that characterize life in today's world. It encompasses various aspects including social interactions, technological advancements, cultural shifts, and economic factors that shape the experiences of individuals in contemporary society. This term connects to discussions around how people navigate their daily lives in a fast-paced, interconnected environment influenced by globalization and digital communication.
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Practice QuizGlossary
4.1 How Science and Technology Affect Our Lives