Technology
Give an example of technology.
many possible answers.
anything that meets a want/need but is not a living thing
What is the first step in the design process?
1.) construct a final design
2.) research existing technology
3.) build a prototype
4.) identify the problem to be solved
Identify the problem to be solved.
True or False
Criteria is a limit on solving a problem.
False
Which is a synonym for the word "constraint"?
1) requirement
2) limit
3) extension
limit
What does an engineer do?
possible answer: designs new technology to solve an existing problem
true or false
technology is limited only to electronic things
false - technology is anything that meets a want or need
True or False
When engineers encounter a problem in their design, they should only change ONE thing at a time before retesting.
True
Define criteria.
the desirable features of a solution
Provide one example of a constraint.
possible answers: time, money, materials
What does it mean to optimize something?
to make it better or as best as it can possibly be
Which of the following is NOT an example of technology?
1) turtle
2) door
3) water bottle
turtle - living things are NOT technology
Which of the steps in the design process is usually done more than once? Choose ALL that apply.
1) construct a final design
2) identify the problem to be solved
3) improve the prototype
4) retest the improved prototype
3. and 4.
What is a prototype and why is it important to know the criteria before you start building it?
A prototype is a model and you have to know the criteria before you start building it because you have to know what the model needs to have in order to meet the set criteria.
prep time, cost, vegetarian option
Why do engineers test and retest multiple times?
To ensure that their design is valid and reliable and to look for any potential errors in design.
WHO designs new technology?
Engineers
What is the LAST step in the design process?
Construct a final design
An inventor created a new toy. The toy had to weigh less than a pound, include at least three different colors, and be waterproof. Identify the criteria for this toy.
weight, color, waterproof
Think of an example of a constraint OTHER than the main three we have discussed during this unit (time, money, materials).
many answers accepted (weight, height, temperature, etc.)
Why is collaboration an important part of the design process?
many possible answers: communication, sharing of ideas, etc.
Give an example of a type of technology and at least two criteria for what it needs to work.
possible answer: backpack
- needs straps
- needs to be comfortable to carry
- needs to be sturdy
What is failure analysis?
Evaluating what went wrong in the design and analyzing it in order to fix it.
Describe three pieces of criteria for a book.
- pages in order
- legible words
- binding
- sturdy design
What pair of factors define an engineering problem?
(hint: both words start with a "c")
criteria and constraints