Introduction to Engineering
What Do Engineers Do?
PLTW Gateway
Lesson A
Activity A.2 Introduction to Engineering
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What is Science?
What is Technology?
What is Engineering?
What is Mathematics?
What is STEM?
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Scientists Technologists
Investigate our Apply science and
natural world math to designs
STEM
Working together
to solve problems
based on societal
needs and wants
Mathematicians Engineers
Use numbers and symbols Create our
to solve problems designed world
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How are they all needed to
Create a Product?
Example Science Technology Engineering Math
Pencil Discovery of Creating a Designing a What is the
graphite and writing device device with optimal
the fact that that doesn’t graphite length,
rubber use ink insert, exterior diameter, or
(eraser) will holder, and shape for the
remove attached device?
graphite eraser
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Problems That Solve Our
Needs and Wants
What are our human needs?
PHYSICAL BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL
NEEDS: NEEDS: NEEDS:
• Basic shelter • Water • Family
• Basic clothing • Food • Friends
• Can you think of • Can you think of • Can you think of more?
more? more?
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Problems That Solve Our
Needs and Wants
What are our human wants?
PHYSICAL BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL
WANTS: WANTS: WANTS:
• Nice house • Fresh water • Talk with family
• Nice car • Fancy food • See friends
• Nice clothes • Healthy living • Entertainment
• Can you think of • Can you think of • Can you think of more?
more? more?
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Engineering
Engineering uses scientific, technological, and mathematical
knowledge to solve practical problems.
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Engineers Can Do Anything
Invent – Develop a new product, system, or process that has
never existed before
Innovate – Improve an existing technological product,
system, or method
Invent
Design Analyze Build
Orchestrate
Create
Conceive
Improve Evaluate
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Engineers
Work to Solve Many Kinds of Problems
• An electrical engineer may design a GPS for your vehicle.
• A pharmaceutical/chemical engineer may find a cure for
disease.
• A computer engineer may build a computer the size of your
watch.
• A mechanical engineer may create a robot to discover water
on a planet.
• An agricultural engineer may evaluate the effects of global
warming on food production.
Engineers make our lives better
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Discussion Questions
• What product or system would make your life
better?
• Is this an invention or an innovation?
• What type(s) of engineer(s) might work on
this project?
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Image Resources
Microsoft, Inc. (2008). Clip Art. Retrieved September 10, 2008, from
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/default.aspx
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