what is engineering?

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What is Engineering?


Definition

Webster’s Dictionary defines engineering as “the practical application of science and mathematics” as in the design and construction of machines, vehicles, structures, roads and systems.


Problem-based innovatorsthat find answers to how things work.

Innovation

1. Doing things differently, exploring new territory, taking risks.

2. Something new or improved, including research for development of new technologies, refinement of existing technologies, or development of new applications for existing technologies.

3. A creation (a new device or process) resulting from study

and experimentation

Engineers are…


Engineers are…

Pragmatic scientists taught to problem solve using process skills to implement designs

based on resources available.


Engineering Process

What is a process?

A procedure: a particular course of action intended to achieve a result;

A designed sequence of operations or events, possibly taking up time, space, expertise or other resource, which

produces some outcome.


RESEARCH

then…Choose an Idea

Engineering Process

Identify problem

Research current solutions

Understand requirements

Brainstorm solutions

Develop concept prototypes


PLAN

then…Submit a Proposal

Engineering Process

Outline strategy

Identify specifications

Develop schedule


PROTOTYPE

then…Revise based

on Feedback

Engineering Process

Build working prototype

Conduct design reviews


TEST

Engineering Process

Iteratively improve


TEST

Engineering Process

Iteratively continue revising

Test - Revise - Test





TEST

then…Demonstrate

Final Prototype

Engineering Process

Iteratively continue revising






COMMERCIALIZE

then…Innovate Existing Solution

Engineering Process

Document & publish results

Market

Solicit customer feedback


COMMERCIALIZE

then…Innovate Existing Solution

by beginning process again

Engineering Process

Document & publish results

Market

Solicit customer feedback


• The practical application of applying math and science to solve problems.

• Innovation – a creation resulting from study and experimentation.

• A process – a particular course of action intended to achieve a result.

• Iterative – the process of making gradual improvements until the best solution is achieved.

• Continual improvement.

Engineering is …


What is Engineering?

• Problem solving• Teamwork• Time management• Testing• Doing it over if it doesn’t work

correctly the first time!


Engineering Process

Determine the problem

What are you trying to solve? Why do you need

it?

Research

Has anyone ever solved this problem before? How did they do it?

BrainstormCome up with as many solutions to the problem

as you can.

Pick the best solution

Figure out the best solution to solve the problem and meet budget and time

constraints.

Build

Physically constructing something can be difficult. Don’t get

discouraged!

Test

Does what you built solve the original problem? Why or why

not?Redesign

How can you change it to meet the problem

requirements?

How did you attack the problem? What challenges

did you encounter? What was your final solution? What

changes would you make?

Present


Teaming Up


Teams

• A group of people working together to accomplish a task


Engineers and Programmers

• To make our robots work, everyone needs to be an engineer or a programmer

• These two groups share ideas and work together


Specialist Jobs

• Project Manager

• Communications Specialist

• Materials Specialist

• Information Specialist


Project Manager

• Will lead the team

• Has to know the roles and responsibilities of everyone else on the team

• Helps to identify who does what on the project

• Helps to make sure everyone is doing their job


Communications Specialist

• Responsible for documenting and scheduling

• Takes lead on preparing schedules and presentations

• Takes notes during meetings, and distributes information to team members and to teacher


Materials Specialist

• Responsible for resources the team needs and uses

• Manage materials to make sure everything is stored correctly and nothing is missing


Information Specialist

• Responsible for finding answers to any team questions

• Knows that the two biggest resources a problem solver can use are people and information


How Jobs Are Selected

• Team will decide

• Lottery?

• You need to be flexible in your roles in order to complete your job for the good of the team

what is engineering?

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