Technology is a part of our daily lives, shaping the way we learn, play, and interact. Recently, Nike introduced an innovative product called Project Amplify — a new kind of powered shoe designed to support walking and running. Introducing Project Amplify: Nike's Powered Shoe Nike's Project Amplify stands out as a remarkable advancement in sports technology. These shoes use small motors to help boost the wearer's movement, making walking and running easier with less effort. The goal is to reduce tiredness and make everyday activities more accessible, especially for those who might need some extra support. Nike aims to help people remain active, independent, and mobile in their everyday lives. What Is the Purpose of Project Amplify? Looking at these powered shoes, students and teachers might wonder about their intended use. While Nike is a well-known brand for sports equipment and performance gear, Project Amplify takes things further by focusing on helping people move more easily, not just competing in sport. The shoes may benefit a wide range of people—those facing mobility challenges, older adults, or anyone seeking an extra boost in their step during daily routines. Discussing the Impact of Advanced Technology in Everyday Life Who Benefits From Technology? Technology often helps people perform tasks that would otherwise be more difficult. Project Amplify could make a big difference for individuals needing more support to stay active and mobile. However, classroom discussions can address questions about fairness—should powered shoes be available to all, or are there times and places where their use should be limited? Fairness and Accessibility While the idea behind Project Amplify is exciting for many, some people have concerns about fairness, especially in sports. Not everyone may be able to afford such powerful technology, which could create an uneven playing field. Exploring Everyday Technology Technology comes in many forms, from household devices to classroom tools. Students can look around their environment and discuss which technologies they use daily and why these inventions were created. Examples may include lights, computers, or even the school playground equipment. Discussions can also focus on what people did before such technologies existed. How Technology Has Changed Over Time Comparing today’s technology to what was used by parents, teachers, or grandparents highlights just how much has changed. Important inventions through history, like the printing press or the electric lightbulb, made possible things that were unimaginable before—and transformed how people lived, worked, and communicated. Learning From Inventors: How Ideas Grow New technologies often build on older ideas through teamwork and sharing knowledge. For example, the printing press led to newspapers, digital publishing, and e-books. Such progress shows how inventors inspire and influence each other to keep improving the technology we use every day. Reflecting on Our Relationship With Technology While technology is incredibly useful, it’s important to think critically about how much we rely on it. Questions to consider might include: Can technology sometimes help too much? Are there activities that are better done without technology? Classrooms can also explore daily skills and creative ideas that people bring—things that technology can’t replace. Everyday Dependence and the Benefits of Innovation Imagining a day without any technology can help students appreciate the differences that tools and inventions make in their lives. Reflection activities can prompt discussions about what would be most challenging to live without, and why technology makes such a big impact. Ideas for Classroom Activities ● Imagine inventing a new tool to help people in everyday life. What would it do and who would it help? ● Trace how one invention inspired another—like the development from the printing press to e-books. ● Explore how movement can be improved by testing how objects roll on different surfaces. ● Think of improvements to objects you already use: What new feature would make them even more helpful? Key Vocabulary Boost: To add extra support or improve something. Effort: The energy used to do something. Mobile: Able to move from one place to another. Powered: Made to work by an energy source such as electricity. Revealed: Made known or shown for the first time. Versions: Different kinds or forms of something. Summary The story of Nike's Project Amplify is a starting point for classroom conversations about how technology supports and challenges us. It invites students to reflect on fairness, the pace of new inventions, and the importance of human ideas and creativity. By learning from the past and thinking about the future, primary school students can better understand the role of technology in making life easier, more inclusive, and full of exciting possibilities. Explore the latest Picture News resources here: https://picture-news.co.uk/free-sample Join our latest discussion here: https://picture-news.co.uk/discuss Explore our recent events and training here: https://picture-news.co.uk/training
