modeling and prototypes foundations of technology modeling and prototypes © 2013 international...

Foundations of Technology

Modeling and PrototypesModeling and Prototypes

© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™ Foundations of Technology

Teacher Resource – Unit 2 Lesson 5

The BIG IdeaThe BIG Idea

Big Idea:

At various intervals of the Engineering Design Process, conceptual, mathematical, and physical models are used to evaluate the design solution.


Why Do We Use Models?Why Do We Use Models?

Models are used throughout the Engineering Design Process to make observations and develop predictions.

Those observations and predictions are then evaluated and, if necessary, solution is redesigned.

Modeling allows an engineer/designer to test ideas against real-world conditions without incurring the cost of developing the product.


Types of ModelsTypes of Models

Models can be conceptual, mathematical, or physical.


Conceptual ModelsConceptual Models

Conceptual models are abstract models that use language and graphic-based representations to convey meaning.

They can include:

Technical Writing

Graphs and Charts

Annotated Sketches

Technical Drawings


Conceptual Models – Conceptual Models – Technical WritingTechnical Writing

Technical Writing is a very precise style of writing. Good technical writers practice:

Clarity – the accurate use of words. Avoid jargon, abbreviations, slang, and unknown terms.

Brevity – only essential language should be included. The key information should be stated first.


Conceptual Models – Conceptual Models – Technical WritingTechnical Writing

Good technical writers practice:

Simplicity – provide necessary details. Do not use flowery language or needlessly complex language.

Active Voice – use straightforward and strong language. Do not use a passive voice.


Conceptual Models – Conceptual Models – Graphs and ChartsGraphs and Charts

Graphs and charts are commonly used to show a relationship between two or more variables and to highlight a trend(s) for the audience.

Graphs and charts are commonly used to showdata and results from evaluations.



Graphs and charts commonly appear in the form of:

Line Graph – used to show the relationship between two or more objects and/or a trend.




Bar Graph – used to show the relationship between objects by measuring frequency.




Pie Chart – used to compare parts/percentages within one set of data.




Venn Diagram – used to show overlap between two or more sets of data.


Data 1 Data 2

Conceptual Models – Conceptual Models – Annotated SketchesAnnotated Sketches

Annotated Sketches are sketches that include notes or labels, dimensions, and/or symbols.

Sketches are often used to show an idea or visibly capture a thought.

All sketches should includesome type of annotation.


Conceptual Models – Conceptual Models – Technical DrawingsTechnical Drawings

Technical drawing is a visual communication language that is used to communicate how something works or is constructed.

All technical drawings include:

Standard symbols

Units of measurement


Conceptual Models – Conceptual Models – Technical DrawingsTechnical Drawings

Technical Drawings can be produced using paper and pencil or on a computer using computer-aided design (CAD).

We will use two basics types oftechnical drawings:

Orthographic projection

Isometric projection


Mathematical ModelsMathematical Models

Mathematical models are abstract models that use the language of mathematics to describe the behavior of the solution.

They can include:

Statistical models

Differential equations

Game theoretic models (computer simulation)


Mathematical ModelsMathematical Models

Mathematical models are used to simulate how a system or product might behave.

They frequently use symbolic algebra to represent and explain mathematical relationships.

Computers are often used to improve mathematical models byperforming long, complicated, and/or repetitive calculations.

Mathematical models are used to express ideas precisely.


Creating a Creating a Mathematical ModelMathematical Model

Prior to developing a mathematical model you must first determine:

The output or what you would like the model to achieve.

The available data or what information can be used in the model.

What research has been done todevelop similar models.


Creating a Creating a Mathematical ModelMathematical Model

Once the background information and output have been developed, you should:

Identify relationships among variables.

Create/use an equation thatrelates those variables.

Check the model for accuracy against similarsystems or products.


Physical ModelsPhysical Models

Physical models are three-dimensional models that represent the solution.

They can include:

Mock-Up – a representation of the final solution that does not function.

Prototype – performs the final solution and can be used for testing/evaluation.


Physical Models – Physical Models – Mock-UpMock-Up

A mock-up is a scale or full-size model primarily used for testing or demonstration.

Mock-Ups are primarily used by engineers/designers to collect feedbackfrom potential users.


Physical Models - Physical Models - PrototypePrototype

A prototype is a scale or full-size working or partially working model.

Prototypes are primarily used by engineers/designers to test and evaluate the design to furtherdevelop the product.


modeling and prototypes foundations of technology modeling and prototypes © 2013 international...

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international technology

engineering design process

physical models

abstract models

technical writinggraphs

complex language

essential language

strong language