Technology and Engineering

This week we will learn about engineering and technology. What is an engineer? What is technology?

Do you know someone who is an engineer? If so, what kind of work does that person do? Do you think a shoe is considered technology? Why or why not?

Activity Your house is full of technologies and I have brought some to share today. Open the bag and pull out your object. Are you surprised that this is a technology? Why or why not?

Complete the following Statements/Questions in your Comp book: 1. My object is a _____________. 2. Is the object natural or human made? 3. What problem does it solve? 4. How else could you use it? 5. What other materials could it be made of? 6. Who do you think creates these technologies?

misconceptions Technology is only something that moves Technology is only computers Technology is only something that uses electricity

Anything that people design to solve a problem is technology Technology does not always use electricity Engineers design technology Technology can be made of lots of different materials Some kinds of materials (like plastic) are examples of technology Anyone can be an engineer

TECHNOLOGY Almost anything created to solve a problem or meet a need The tools and methods for creating these products and processes. Examples: Pencil – typewriter – computers Prosthetic arms The tools & processes to fit the arm

Engineering: The process of creating technology. It uses scientific knowledge to develop technology. It is design. Engineer – someone who uses his/her knowledge of science, math, and creativity to design objects, systems, or processes to solve problems

Scientists discover the world that exists; engineers create the world that never was. Engineers use science and math to create new technologies that serve human needs. Cost benefit analysis – the process of determining whether the cost of doing something is worth the benefit provided. Prototype - a test model of a product

Technology and Society

Technology & Society Technology provides solutions for many types of social, political, and economic needs. Intended Benefits - The POSITIVE purpose for which the technology was designed to be used. Example: refrigerator – keep food fresh longer.

Example: The ability to have food not native to the area Unintended Consequences - the uses or results that engineers do not purposely include in the design of products. Beneficial - something good comes from the technology that was NOT expected Example: The ability to have food not native to the area Negative impact - harmful effects of the technology that were NOT expected or planned for. Ex: produce CFCs which damage the ozone layer

The Engineering Design Process Def.: The process engineers use to develop a new technology

Bioengineering

BIOENGINEERING Bioengineering is the application of engineering to living things such as humans and plants. Bioengineers and scientists study and solve problems that occur in living organisms and their environment.

Assistive Bioengineering – engineering that results in a product or process that helps living organisms, but does not change them permanently Adaptive bioengineering – engineering that results in a product or process that changes living organisms

Assistive Technologies – devices for people with disabilities that enable them to perform functions that would otherwise have been difficult or impossible; created specifically to assist with a disability

Adaptive technologies – products, materials, equipment, or inventions that have been modified from their original design to make them fully accessible to people with physical disabilities; In other words, adaptive technology works as an “add-on” for an existing technology that helps disabled individuals access that technology

(provide opportunities) Assistive Devices (provide opportunities) Adaptive Devices (Expand opportunities) Hearing Aid Contact lenses Crutches Pacemaker Ramp Automatic doors Closed captioning Mechanical heart TTY Phone Screen magnifier Pencil grip