Engineers & Scientists
True or False:
Engineers and scientists follow a series of steps to find solutions to problems.
True
What is the first step in the engineering design process/scientific method?
Defining the problem
What is technology?
Items made by people to solve problems or meet needs
What do engineers do after building a prototype?
Test it
What is are criteria in engineering design?
The desirable goal or feature the design must have
Who analyzes data and works in teams to understand the natural world?
Who are scientists
What do engineers build to test design ideas before making the final product?
A prototype or model
Name two ways cars have changed over time based on engineering improvements
Examples: Changes in shape, safety features, fuel efficiency, easier use, faster engines, etc.
What should stay the same in a fair test?
(type of variable)
Controlled variables
What is a constraint?
The absolute limit or restriction on the design
True or False:
Engineers and scientists disagree on how to solve problems related to the natural world.
Name one activity engineers do during the "Make and Test" phase.
Testing the prototype or analyzing test results
What do engineers consider when designing new technology to meet people's needs?
(hint: two Cs)
Criteria and Constraints
Why is it important to record observations during testing?
To learn what works and make improvements in the future
Why must engineers balance criteria and constraints?
To create a design that meets needs while staying within limits
Name a key difference between engineers and scientists in their work focus.
Engineers design solutions and build technology, while scientists study and explain natural phenomena
Why do engineers repeat tests multiple times?
To ensure results are reliable and to improve the design based on evidence.
How have cell phones changed since they were first introduced?
Examples: they have become smaller and can do many tasks like computers, screens, touch screen, facial recognition
How do engineers use evidence from tests to improve designs?
They analyze results and make changes to solve problems better
True or False:
An example of a constraint would be "cannot use more than 15 minutes of planning"
True
How do engineers use science in their work?
Engineers apply scientific knowledge to develop technology to solve problems
What are the first and last step of the EDP/Scientific method: brainstorming solutions, testing the prototype, defining the problem, evaluating solutions
First: Defining the problem
Last: Evaluating solutions
Why do engineers need to think about regulations, like safety standards, when designing products?
To make sure products are safe, legal, and effective for users
What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative observations?
Qualitative= descriptions that appeal to the senses
Quantitative= descriptions using numbers or measurements
True or False:
An example of a constraint would be "wants the bike to pretty"
False
This is an example of criteria