Technology Basics
Criteria vs. Constraint
Engineering Design Process
Binary & ASCII
Technology Contexts
100

What is the definition of Technology?

Anything created by humans to solve a problem or meet a need or want

100

A design requirement that tells what a successful solution should accomplish is called what?

Constraint

100

How many steps are there in the Engineering Design Process? (Hint: We reduced it for the purpose of this class)

5

100

What two digits are used in binary?

0 and 1

100

A wind turbine belongs primarily to which context?

Energy & Power.

200

What is the difference between an invention and innovation?

An invention is something new; an innovation improves or changes something that already exists

200

A design requirement that tells what a successful solution should accomplish is called what?

Criteria

200

During which Engineering Design Process step do engineers brainstorm possible solutions?

Imagine

200

Convert 00001010 to decimal.

10

200

An MRI machine belongs primarily to which context?

Medical & Health.

300

Put these in chronological order: Smartphone, Wheel, Airplane, Printing Press.

Wheel → Printing Press → Airplane → Smartphone.

300

A paper tower must be at least 40 cm tall. Is this a criterion or constraint?

Criterion

300

What is a prototype?

A model used to test a design idea.

300

Convert 00101101 to decimal.

45

300

A factory turns raw metal into car parts. Which context is this?

Material Processing.

400

People wanted cars to be safer, so engineers developed airbags and improved seat belts. Is this society influencing technology or technology influencing society?

Society influencing technology.

400

Students may use only 10 sheets of paper and 24 inches of tape to build their tower. Is this a criterion or constraint?

Constraint

400

List the Engineering Design steps in order

Ask - Imagine - Plan - Create - Improve

400

Convert 10010011 to decimal

147

400

A warehouse uses programmed robots to automatically sort packages. Which context is this?

Computation, Automation & Robotics.

500

Give an example of how technology can influence society.

Answers vary; e.g., smartphones changed how people communicate.

500

You are designing a bridge. It must hold at least 500 grams, must be less than 30 cm long, and you may use only 20 craft sticks. Identify the criterion and the two constraints.

  • Criterion: Must hold at least 500 grams  
  • Constraints: Must be less than 30 cm long; may use only 20 craft sticks
500

Two bridges both hold the required weight, but Bridge A costs less and the project has a strict budget. Which should engineers choose and why?

Bridge A because it meets the criteria while better satisfying the budget constraint.

500

ASCII says C = 67. What is C in 8-bit binary?

01000011

500

GPS software determines the fastest route for a delivery truck. Name TWO technology contexts involved.

Information & Communication and Transportation & Logistics.