Introduction
Scientists investigate our natural world; engineers create the human designed world. Technologies are the products and processes created by an engineer and often used by a scientist. Knowledge of science and math is necessary for the creation of new technologies. People working in all of these career areas helped put the cereal you may have eaten this morning on your table. The scientist helped the farmer to plant, grow, and harvest the grains (corn, oats, wheat, rice, and barley). The responsibility of the engineer includes designing the equipment used to harvest the grain and designing the factory where the grain was processed into what you eat today. The engineering technologist built the factory, built the tools and equipment necessary for converting the grains into cereal, and built the farm equipment that the engineer designed. All along the way, mathematicians were needed to solve problems like how big the factory should be or how much cereal should go in one box.
During this activity you will follow along with the Introduction to Engineering presentation to answer the questions, “What is engineering?” and “Why do we need to learn about engineering and technology?”.
Equipment
· GTT notebook
Procedure
1. Follow along with the presentation to complete the Introduction to Engineering – What do Engineers do? worksheets.
2. Complete the conclusion questions.
3. Fill in the appropriate section of your GTT Notebook.
Introduction to Engineering – What Do Engineers Do?
Complete the questions below while your teacher presents What Is Engineering?
1. In your own words, describe the following terms:
Science
The exploration of new ideas
Technology
Advanced way of working
Engineering
The building and designing of anything to be improved or created
Math
The use of numbers extensively
2. Draw a concept map that shows how the STEM careers are connected.
3. Complete two examples of how scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians may work together when inventing or innovating a new product.
Example / Science / Technology / Engineering / MathPencil / Discovery of graphite and rubber to remove graphite / Creating a writing devise that doesn’t use ink / Designing a device with graphite, exterior holder, and eraser attached / Optimal length, diameter, or shape
Pen / Discovery of metal/plastic and Ink / A devise to write with that is as one item not 2 like a feather and ink bottle / A devise with ink, exterior, and no spilling / Optimal length, diameter, or shape
4. What is the difference between a need and a want?
Need is like the bare nesecity and what is needed to survive, and want in not needed to survive.
5. Complete the chart below by listing our human needs and wants:
Physical / Biological / PsychologicalNeeds / Shelter/clothing / Food
water / Family
Friends
Wants / Nice house
Nice car
Nice clothing / Fresh water
Fancy food
Healthy living / Talk with family
See friends
entertainment
6. What is an engineer?
The one who designs and makes what is needed improvement or new
7. List examples of what an engineer does.
Invent
innovate
8. What is the difference between an invention and an innovation?
Invention something new
Innovation improving existing technology
9. Why do you need to learn about engineering and technology?
They make the world go around
Conclusion
1. What product or system would make your life better?
something that ethier goes to school for me but I retain the info or something that teaches me what I would like to know so I don’t have to go to school
2. Is this an invention or an innovation?
invention
3. What type(s) of engineer(s) might work on this project?
Mathmatics, brains, engineer,
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2010
GTT – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – Activity 1.1.2 – Introduction to Engineering – Page 4