1B1 Science, Technology and Society Flashcards
Understand how science addresses global warming, pollution, sustainable practices, and wildlife conservation.
What is technology?
The execution of scientific ideas to achieve specific goals involving people, machines, and systems.
Technological inventions have made everyday life easier and more organized.
What is the Engineering Design Process?
A series of steps followed by engineers when developing a product or design.
Allows for repetition of steps as necessary.
Engineers combine science, math, technology, and creativity to create solutions in engineering design.
What are the steps of the Engineering Design Process?
- Define or identify a problem.
- Research problem.
- Specify requirements.
- Brainstorm solutions.
- Choose the best solution.
- Design and develop.
- Build a prototype.
- Test and redesign.
- Communicate findings.
What should engineers do in the Define the Problem step of the Engineering Design Process?
- Ask questions about the problem,
- Identify the problem, and
- Decide on the best design solution.
It is important to consider the audience, end goals, and project requirements to know what the best solution may be.
What is the purpose of Research in the Engineering Design Process?
Find existing solutions, avoid past mistakes, and innovate new ideas.
What should engineers do in the Specify Requirements step of the Engineering Design Process?
Set constraints, design requirements, and write a design brief.
Physical characteristics, materials, costs, safety concerns, etc.
What is the importance of Brainstorming Solutions in the Engineering Design Process?
Explore alternatives, filter out unsuitable solutions, and get creative with new designs.
Don’t settle on the first idea, combine solutions creatively. Explore all alternatives before settling on one solution, take time to brainstorm ideas.
How can engineers choose the best solution for a project?
By ensuring it meets the requirements specified in earlier stages of the process.
What is involved in the develop and design step of the engineering process?
Drafting, measuring, modeling, drawing, research, analysis, refinement, and improvement.
What is important in the solution development stage?
Making sure the chosen solution works and is safe.
What are prototypes in the engineering design process?
Working versions of the chosen solution made with different materials for testing and troubleshooting.
Prototypes are built to determine adjustments needed before building the final product and to test the design.
What are some materials that can be used to make prototypes?
- Cardboard
- Plastic
- Paper
- Plastic bottles
- Aluminum cans
- Straws
What are some challenges engineers may face when prototyping?
- Insufficient research
- misunderstanding by consumers
- time constraints
What is the purpose of testing and redesign in the engineering process?
To create multiple iterations of the solution based on feedback and testing until it is satisfactory.
What should be considered when choosing the best solution in the Engineering Design Process?
- Cost
- Time
- Safety
- Skill
- Resources
- Aesthetics
What are design constraints?
Conditions that need to happen for a project to be successful.
Design constraints help narrow choices when creating a project.
Explain a cost constraint in design projects.
Every project has a budget, and additional considerations include how design costs will be passed down to consumers.
Design costs can impact the final price of products sold to consumers.
How do available resources impact design choices?
Engineers may be limited by cost, local availability of materials, and the need to use locally sourced materials instead of imported supplies.
Resource limitations can influence the design process.
What is an environmental impact constraint in projects?
Ensuring that projects are environmentally sound and won’t cause disruption to ecosystems.
Considerations include preventing oil spills and protecting local water sources.
What do safety constraints relate to?
Making the building or project safe for people and depend on where the project is being completed and what unique hazards exist there.
Different projects will have safety constraints specific to their location and purpose.
What should be considered regarding costs in design constraints?
Costs should be kept on budget, but also consideration should be given to how design and construction costs will affect consumers.
How do engineers typically solve problems?
By writing a problem statement that explains the problem, provides evidence, and proposes a solution with associated advantages or impacts.
It is an important initiating phase of engineering design and product development.
What are the three important factors to consider when writing a problem statement?
- Who has the problem?
- What is the problem?
- Why is it important or worthwhile to solve the problem?
What is the role of an engineer?
An individual who designs, builds, analyzes, and maintains machines, structures, equipment, and other complex systems.