Introduction to Engineering What Do Engineers Do? Introduction © 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Introduction to Engineering Gateway To Technology Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – What is Engineering? What is Science? What is Technology? What is Engineering? What is Mathematics? What is STEM?

Introduction to Engineering Gateway To Technology Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – What is Engineering? Scientists Investigate our natural world Technologists Apply science and math to designs Mathematicians Use numbers and symbols to solve problems Engineers Create our designed world STEM Working together based on societal needs and wants Our knowledge-based economy is driven by constant innovation. The foundation of innovation lies in a dynamic, motivated, and well-educated workforce equipped with STEM skills. However, the nature of our workforce and the needs of our industries have changed over time. Today, an understanding of scientific and mathematical principles, a working knowledge of computer hardware and software, and the problem solving skills developed by courses in STEM are necessary for most jobs. Therefore, STEM education is an enormous and pressing need. http://www.stemedcaucus.org/

How are they all needed to Create a Product? Introduction to Engineering Gateway To Technology Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – What is Engineering? How are they all needed to Create a Product? Example Science Technology Engineering Math Pencil Discovery of graphite and the fact that rubber (eraser) will remove graphite Creating a writing device that doesn’t use ink Designing a device with graphite insert, exterior holder, and attached eraser What is the optimal length, diameter, or shape for the device? Teacher and/or students can add an additional example to the table.

Problems That Solve Our Needs and Wants Introduction to Engineering Gateway To Technology Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – What is Engineering? Problems That Solve Our Needs and Wants PHYSICAL NEEDS: Basic shelter Basic clothing Can you think of more? What are our human needs? BIOLOGICAL NEEDS: Water Food Can you think of more? PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS: Family Friends Can you think of more?

Introduction to Engineering Problems That Solve Our Needs and Wants Introduction to Engineering Gateway To Technology Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – What is Engineering? What are our human wants? PHYSICAL WANTS: Nice house Nice car Nice clothes Can you think of more? BIOLOGICAL WANTS: Fresh water Fancy food Healthy living Can you think of more? PSYCHOLOGICAL WANTS: Talk with family See friends Entertainment Can you think of more?

Introduction to Engineering Gateway To Technology Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – What is Engineering? Engineering Engineering uses scientific, technological, and mathematical knowledge to solve practical problems. Engineers strive to make our lives better, easier, cheaper, more efficient, and more fun by solving problems in everyday life.

Engineers Can Do Anything Introduction to Engineering Gateway To Technology Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – What is Engineering? 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 Build Design Analyze Orchestrate Create Conceive Evaluate Improve

Engineers Work to Solve Many Kinds of Problems Introduction to Engineering Gateway To Technology Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – What is Engineering? 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

Introduction to Engineering Gateway To Technology Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – What is Engineering? 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?

Introduction to Engineering Gateway To Technology Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – What is Engineering? Image Resources Microsoft, Inc. (2008). Clip Art. Retrieved September 10, 2008, from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/default.aspx