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 innovators that find answers to how things work. Engineers are… Problem-based innovators that find answers to how things work. Innovation Doing things differently, exploring new territory, taking risks. 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… 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 RESEARCH then… Choose an Idea Identify problem Research current solutions Understand requirements Brainstorm solutions Develop concept prototypes

Identify specifications Engineering Process PLAN then… Submit a Proposal Outline strategy Identify specifications Develop schedule

Build working prototype Engineering Process PROTOTYPE then… Revise based on Feedback Build working prototype Conduct design reviews

Engineering Process TEST Iteratively improve

Iteratively continue revising Engineering Process TEST Iteratively continue revising Test - Revise - Test

Iteratively continue revising Engineering Process TEST then… Demonstrate Final Prototype Iteratively continue revising Test - Revise - Test

Document & publish results Solicit customer feedback Engineering Process COMMERCIALIZE then… Innovate Existing Solution Document & publish results Market Solicit customer feedback

Document & publish results Solicit customer feedback Engineering Process COMMERCIALIZE then… Innovate Existing Solution by beginning process again Document & publish results Market Solicit customer feedback

Engineering is … 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.

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 Present Research 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? Does what you built solve the original problem? Why or why not? Figure out the best solution to solve the problem and meet budget and time constraints. Physically constructing something can be difficult. Don’t get discouraged! Has anyone ever solved this problem before? How did they do it? Come up with as many solutions to the problem as you can. Redesign What are you trying to solve? Why do you need it? Brainstorm Test Pick the best solution Build

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