Engineering
Design Process
Design Process
What is the first step in the Engineering Design Process?
Identify/Define the problem
What force pulls materials apart?
Tension
What does STEM stand for?
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
Which is stronger: paper or steel?
Steel
Name one of the six simple machines.
Lever, Pulley, Wheel & Axle, Inclined Plane, Wedge, Screw
After brainstorming solutions, what step comes next?
Plan (create a prototype design or drawing)
What force pushes materials together?
Compression
Which type of engineer designs roads, bridges, and buildings?
Civil Engineer
What property describes a material’s ability to bend without breaking?
Flexibility
Which simple machine is a ramp?
Inclined plane
Why is testing an important step in the design process?
To see what works, what fails, and what needs improvement
Why are triangles commonly used in bridges?
They distribute force evenly and are very stable
What kind of engineer designs robots and mechanical systems?
Mechanical Engineer
Why might an engineer choose plastic instead of metal?
Lighter weight, corrosion resistance, cost, flexibility
What simple machine is a seesaw?
Lever
What is the difference between a constraint and criteria?
Criteria = what the solution must do; Constraints = limits like time, cost, materials
What might happen if a beam experiences too much torsion?
Twisting and structural failure
A company needs to design a water filtration system for a community. Which type of engineer would MOST likely work on this and why?
Environmental Engineer — they focus on water quality, pollution control, and environmental systems
What is the difference between strength and durability?
Strength = ability to withstand force; Durability = ability to last over time
How does a pulley make work easier?
It changes direction of force and can reduce effort force
A prototype fails during testing. Explain the best next step and why.
Analyze results and improve/redesign based on data; failure helps improve design
A bridge collapses in the center under load. Which forces were likely not properly managed and why?
Compression on top, tension on bottom — poor distribution of load
A new medical device must be safe, affordable, easy to use, and pass government safety testing. Name TWO STEM careers that would likely work together and explain their roles.
Biomedical Engineer (designs device) + Regulatory Specialist or Medical Scientist (ensures safety/testing compliance). Other good combinations possible with explanation.
You must design a lightweight but strong bridge with a limited budget. What trade-offs might you consider?
Cost vs. strength, weight vs. durability, material selection trade-offs
A worker uses a longer ramp instead of a short steep one. Why does this reduce effort force?
Increasing distance decreases required force (mechanical advantage)