Introduction to Engineering - What Do Engineers Do?

What is S cience? What is T echnology? What is E ngineering? What is M athematics? What is STEM ?

Science #1 The study of the natural world –Constants –Predictability

Technology #1 Applied Science – using what we know about the natural world / putting constants & predictability to work The human-made world

Engineering #1 Designing solutions to our problems [needs and wants] Creating our designed world

Mathematics #1 The study and use of numbers, equations, averages, measurements, dimensions, and patterns

ScienceTechnology Mathematics Engineering STEM Working together to solve problems based on societal needs and wants # 2

How are they all needed to Create a Product? - #3 ExampleScience constants predictability Technology applying the science Engineering needs & wants Math patterns, averages, sizes PencilDiscovery of graphite and its properties* *(soft, leaves marks thru friction) Using graphite’s properties to make marks to communicate Putting wood or plastic around the graphite to keep our hands clean Determine the optimal length, diameter, and shape for the pencil Suggestions: Eraser Pen Paper

What are our human needs? Problems That Solve Our Needs? and Wants? # 4 & 5 PHYSICAL NEEDS: Basic shelter Basic clothing BIOLOGICAL NEEDS: Water Food Oxygen PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS: Family Friends Sleep

What are our human wants? PHYSICAL WANTS: House with –Heat –Running water –Electricity Nice car Brand name clothes BIOLOGICAL WANTS: Bottled water Favorite food PSYCHOLOGICAL WANTS: Large / small family Funny / caring friends Entertainment Problems That Solve Our Needs and Wants # 5

Shoe – Need or Want? Shoes are needed to protect our feet and to keep us healthy However, the latest trendy style of shoe is a want, beyond a need

Types of Engineers that are needed to put shoes on your feet 1 – 3 Chemical, Petroleum, Plastic Engineers – are needed for resins, plastics, foam, rubber, etc. 4 & 5 Materials, Textile – are needed for the fabric and other materials used 6 & 7 Design, Ergonomics – make the shoe appealing and comfortable 8 & 9 Manufacturing, Production – make plans, determine sizes, set-up machines and assembly lines

20:1 It is estimated that there are roughly 20 technicians, tradesmen, and other workers needed to support each engineer Architectural Engineer Land Surveyors Heavy Equipment Operator Plumbers Concrete Workers Carpenters Welders Electrician HVAC Landscapers Asphalt Workers Each of the technicians / tradesmen will have a crew of other workers with them

Engineer #6 A person that meets our needs and wants by using scientific, technological, and mathematical knowledge They design our designed world Depending on how you classify them, there may be over 200 types of Engineers

Engineers Can Do Anything # 7 Create Build Conceive Design Evaluate Analyze Research Invent Improve

Engineers design solutions through… #8 Inventions – Develop a new product, system, or process that has never existed before (completely new) Innovations – Improvement on an existing technological product, system, or method (improvement)

Engineering impacts every aspect of your life (#9) Even if you don’t want to become an engineer, you will be using or making things that were designed by an engineer At home At your workplace To support your lifestyle Impact example – how isImpact example – how is your life different without your life different without your Cell phone? your Cell phone?

An electrical engineer may design the GPS for your vehicle. A pharmaceutical/chemical engineer may find a cure for disease. A computer engineer may build a computer that can think and talk to you. 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 Work to Solve Many Kinds of Problems Through Design Engineers make our lives better

Complete your conclusion Qs while watching this video Video – The Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20 th Century (8:46)Video – The Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20 th Century (8:46)

Image Resources Microsoft, Inc. (2008). Clip Art. Retrieved September 10, 2008, from