Scientific Inquiry Standards B – 1.7 and B – 1.8

Standard B-1 The student will demonstrate an understanding of how scientific inquiry and technological design, including mathematical analysis, can be used appropriately to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions. B-1.7 Evaluate a technological design or product on the basis of designated criteria (including cost, time, and materials). B-1.8 Compare the processes of scientific investigations and technological design.

Key Concepts Technological Design or Product Criteria: Cost, Time, Materials

Key Concepts Technological design or product Criteria: cost, time, materials

What You Already Know! In the 5th grade, you used a simple technological design process to develop a solution or product. In the 6th grade, you planned and produced a solution or product using a technological design process which included identifying a problem, designing a solution, implementing that solution, and evaluating that solution.

What you Should Understand After This Lesson Technological designs or products are produced by the application of scientific knowledge to meet specific needs of humans. The 4 stages of technological design. Understand that common requirements within the solution design stage of all technological designs or products include such things as cost, time, and materials. Understand that benefits need to exceed the risk. Understand that there are tradeoffs among various criteria.

Objective Evaluate a technological design or product on the basis of designated criteria. Compare the technological design process and scientific investigation.

Vocabulary NONE

Technological Design Process Technological design is an important part of engineering, the field that applies scientific knowledge to practical problems. There are 4 main steps in the technological design process.

4 Main Steps Identify the problem. Propose a solution (design, process, or product) Implement the solution Evaluate the solution

Step 1: Identify the Problem The first step in the technological design process is to identify the problem. Often, engineers or inventors try to solve problems in their own lives or work.

Step 2: Propose a Solution Once the problem has been identified, a solution has to be proposed. In order to do this, drawings or models may be created. Also, any materials and costs have to be identified and the time has to be identified. A list of potential risks and benefits also is made.

Step 3: Implement the Solution Once a design plan has been studied and accepted, a design team must carry out the plan. This stage of development is known as implementation. This is a step-by-step strategy to solve the problem.

Step 4: Evaluate the Solution A completed design must be evaluated to decide if it meets the original goals.

Before you are finished… The results of technological design often improve people’s lives. Each new development offers both benefits and risks. Benefits are how the technology meets people’s needs. The risks include ways the technology might harm humans or the environment. This is called risk-benefit analysis.

Technological Design Process vs. Scientific Investigation Can you tell the difference?

Technological Design Process vs. Scientific Investigation Identifies a problem – asks a question Identifies a problem or need Researches related information Designs an investigation or experiment Designs a process or a product Conducts the investigation or experiment – repeated trials Implements the design or the process – repeated testing Analyzes the results Evaluates the conclusion – did the results refute or verify the hypothesis Evaluates the process or product – did it meet the criteria Communicates the findings