Science, Engineering, and Technology

Engineering is the practical application of science and math to solve problems, and it is everywhere in the world around you. Engineering technologies improve the ways that we safely travel, work, communicate and even stay healthy.

Engineers are the innovators, planners, and problem-solvers of our society. From computer chips and satellites to medical devices and renewable energy technologies, engineering makes our modern life possible. They are responsible for the ways in which people around the world communicate, work, and live. Whether they work in a lab with chemicals or behind a computer creating algorithm, design airplanes or biomedical implants, engineers are focused on meeting needs and making an impact. They are always seeking quicker, better, and less expensive ways to benefit mankind.

Science, Engineering, and Technology

(From Engineering is Elementary, )

Three disciplines, one world…

It’s easy to think of science, engineering, and technology as three very separate disciplines. But in the real world, they’re closely connected.

For example, scientists use the technologies that engineers create (such as microscopes, monitors, and meters) to conduct their research. And when engineers start to design a new technology, they call on the knowledge of the natural world developed by scientists (for example, the law of gravity or how fluid flows.) Engineering, science, and technology connect to—and influence—each other.

Engineering, science, and technology also influence (and are influenced by) society. Our human values, needs, or problems often determine what questions scientists investigate and what problems engineers tackle. Meanwhile the technologies that are the products of science and engineering influence society and change human culture (just think of the impacts of cars and cell phones!)

The infographic to the right shows how science, engineering, and technology connect to society:

Here’s another way to look at it:

Some Additional Online Resources:

Scientific Method/Process or Engineering Design

Scientists study how nature works. Engineers, on the other hand,create new things, such as products, websites, environments and experiences. Because engineers and scientists have different objectives, they follow different processes in their work. Scientists perform experiments using the Scientific Method/Process;engineers follow the creativity-based Engineering Design Process. Be sure you know the difference!

The steps of the Scientific Method/Process are to:

• Decide what you already care about

• Ask a question
• Do background research
• Construct a hypothesis
• Test your hypothesis by performingan experiment
• Analyze your data, and draw a conclusion
• Communicate your results

It is important for your experiment to be a fair test. A “fair test” occurs when you change only one factor (the independent variable) and keep all other conditions the same.

Note: If your project involves creating or inventing something new, your project might better fit the steps of the Engineering Design Process. (www.SARSEF.org)

Engineering Design:

The Engineering Design Process is the set of steps that a designer takes to go from first, identifying a problem or need — tocreating and developing a solution that solves the problem, or meets the need.

The steps of the Engineering Design Process are to:

• Define the problem
• Do background research
• Specify requirements
• Create alternative solutions
• Choose the best solution
• Do development work
• Build a prototype
• Test and redesign
• Communicate Results

During the Engineering Design Process, designers frequently jump back and forth between steps. Going back to earlier steps is common. This way of working is called “iteration,” and it is likely that your process will do the same!

Once again:Engineers create new things, such as products, websites, environments and experiences, and use the Engineering Design Process. Scientists study how nature works, and use the Scientific Method.

Note: If your project involves making observations and doing experiments, your project might better fit the Scientific Method/Process. (www.SARSEF.org)

Engineering Project Timeline

If you have questions:

Please contact Mrs. Nasiatka or Mrs. Runkle, Science Fair Coordinators

Please keep in mind that this is a suggested way to do an engineering project. This may need to be adjusted depending on the age of the child.

I have seen this handbook and am aware of the project’s timeline.

Student ______Mentor Signature______

Science Project Scoring Guide(as used in middle school)

Remember, this is a long-term project, and it will require effort! Be sure to go through this rubric as you do your project to make sure that you have all required areas.

The problemstatement should clearly explain the following:

Describe the Problem or Need:State the problem that you are trying to solve with this engineered design and tell how you will do this.

Personal Reasoning:Tell why you want to do this design or what made you become interested in this area of engineering.

Purpose of my Design:How will your engineered prototype solution contribute to society?

Diagram of the Problem: Sketch a diagram of the problem or need you are trying to solve (NOT the solution)

Problem:The problem I am trying to solve with this designand how I will do this…______

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Personal Reasoning: I want to design this prototype because______

Purpose of My Design:The purpose of my design is that it will help other people by ______

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Diagram of the Problem:Draw a diagram here. Make sure to include labels.

(For example, if you are trying to keep computer plugs from coming out of the sockets on the school laptop cart, then you would draw a diagram of the school laptop cart with special attention to details and dimensions for the outlets and plugs. Another example, if you were trying to solve the problem of rain water flooding into the science lab then you would want to diagram the science lab with special attention to details on the landscape and building structures around the problem area – the west door. If you were trying to solve a problem that is more of a process, then this is a place for you to map out the problem.)

Do Background Research

Find books, magazines, and websites orother references like interviews that will help you engineer your design. Use this research to develop your requirements, constraints and ideas of your design. At least two sources should be non-internet sites. List words used to search on search engine i.e. Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.

Important: List your resources in bibliography format. Use to create your bibliography.

Words/Phrases used to search on search engine (e.g. Google, Bing…)

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Resource 1.______

Short summary of information gained:

Resource 2.______

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Short summary of information gained:

Resource 3.______

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Short summary of information gained:

Resource 4.______

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Short summary of information gained:

Write a Design Brief with Requirements and Constraints

After researching your idea, you should have some parameters/guidelines from which to base your design.These parameters should include the specific requirements needed to solve the identified problem. These parameters should also include the specific constraints, which are the limitations, of the design.

Requirements: List the requirements that your design needs to fulfill. What does it need to do?

Constraints/ Limitations: List thedesign constraints and the resources you are limited to using.

Summary of Requirements and Constraints: Summarize what you feel are the most important requirements of your solution and what you feel will be the biggest constraints and limitations. Explain why.

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Illustrate 3 concept designs below and rate how effective, efficient and durable the designs may be under a range of controlled test conditions. Make sure each design is clearly labeled.

Choose the Best Solution

Based on your rankings and reasoning, which of your 3 concept ideas best provides a solution to the problem within the identified requirements and constraints.

Design # ____ Score: _____ Name of Prototype : ______

Blueprint: Draw a larger, more detailed, labeled drawing of the prototype you plan to build.

Materials List: Include a complete list of all materials including details and amounts.

• Include quantities (how much), length, volume, and mass.
• List quantities in metric units.

Example materials lists:

PROTOTYPE CONSTRUCTION AND TESTING

The Prototype Construction is a detailed, step-by-step set of instructions that tells everyone exactlyhow to construct your design. You must write out each step in detail with amounts or measurements as needed.

The Testing Procedures must also be a step by step description of how you will test your prototype and how you will collect and record data.

Follow these rules for both and make two separate lists:

1. Write this section as steps, not a paragraph.
2. Use metricmeasurements!
3. Do not use personal pronouns (you, I, we, etc.).

Example:

Step 1. Gather Materials.

Step 2. Use a waterproof marker and ruler to measure cardboard squares10 cm X 12 cm.

Step 3. Using scissors cut out 4 cardboard rectangles.

Prototype Development & Construction:

Testing Procedures:

TESTREDESIGN

1. After following your procedures to build Prototype 1.0, use your testing procedures to test it.
2. As you test your prototypes, collect data in a table, chart, or graph.

Add graph paper to your journal as needed. Please show multiple trials when testing each prototype.

1. Evaluate the results of Prototype 1.0 testing and record your

observations and inferences below.

1. Modify, retest and repeat until your prototype is successful.

Prototype 1.0 Test Reflection & Redesign: What worked well?

What needs improvement? What modifications will you make for prototype 1.1?

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>Make modifications and test Prototype 1.1

Prototype 1.1 – Test Reflection & Redesign: What worked well? What needs improvement? What modifications will you make for prototype 1.2?

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>Make modifications and test Prototype 1.2

Prototype 1.2 – Test Reflection & Redesign: What worked well? What needs improvement? What modifications will you make for prototype 1.3?

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Continue to redesign and test prototypes until your design is successful< in solving the identified problem. Draw a Final Blueprint for your final prototype.

>Add graph paper and extra pages as needed.<

FINAL PROTOTYPE

1. Draw a Blueprint for your final prototype.
2. Label your blueprint and show dimensions using metric units
3. Include data from the testing of your final prototype by attaching extra

pages or graph paper with the testing data you collected.

Written Summary of improvements and modifications:

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Final Prototype Blueprint

Final Prototype Blueprint

PROJECT SUMMARY

Your final project summary explains the problem, the process you followed to engineer your design and how your design will help others by solving a particular problem.

It MUST contain these 5 parts formatted in 5 paragraphs:

1. An introduction paragraph that includes a description of the problem and how your idea will help to address that problem.
2. Paragraph two describes the requirements and constraints of your design, including deciding factors that led you to build Prototype 1.
3. Paragraph three describes the building, redesigning and testing procedures you followed to improve on your prototypes.
4. Paragraph fourgives a detailed description of the final prototype and why it is the best solution to the identified problem.
5. A concluding paragraph that really “sells” your design. Point out its unique features, and creative use of materials. Reemphasize how this design will help others by solving the identified problem.

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COMMUNICATE RESULTS - DISPLAY BOARD

Your science fair display board is how your Engineering Design project will be viewed and judged. You worked hard to research, engineer a great design,and conduct valid testing in order to solve a real problem. Now, make sure to put the same care and thought into your display and presentation.

The keys to a good science fair display are simplicity, clarity, and neatness. Everything must be neat, organized, and lined-up well. No sloppy work, crossed-out words, eraser marks, pictures falling off, etc. Typing everything is highly recommended and it is okay for someone to help you with the typing and layout as long as you lead in the process.

The following example display board is the order in which your information should be displayed on your board. It should be organized logically and read like a book.

Project boards can be purchased from the ACES and TVES Science Labs for $5 each. The funds are used for science support in our schools. They are also sold atJoAnn’s, Michael’s, Target, Parent-Teacher Connection, Walmart, Walgreens, and office supply stores. JoAnn’s and Michael’s are typically the best deal as they go on sale and coupons can be applied. Do not wait until the last minute to purchase a board or your color options may be limited.

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