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

2. 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?

3. Introduction to Engineering
Gateway To Technology
Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – What is Engineering?
Science
Science is the concerted human effort to understand the history of the natural world and how the natural world works by using observable physical evidence.
Scientists observe natural phenomena, and/or create experiments to simulate natural processes under controlled conditions.

4. Introduction to Engineering
Gateway To Technology
Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – What is Engineering?
Technology
Technology is the purposeful application of information in the design, production, and utilization of goods and services, and in the organization of human activities.
The term ‘Technology” is wide and everyone has their own way of understanding the meaning of technology. We use technology to accomplish various tasks in our daily lives, in brief; we can describe technology as products, processes or organizations. We use technology to extend our abilities, and that makes people as the most important part of any technological system. Technology is also an application of science to solve a problem. But what you have to know is that technology and science are different subjects which work hand-in-hand to accomplish a specific task or solve a particular problem.
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5. 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.

6. Introduction to Engineering
Gateway To Technology
Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – What is Engineering?
Mathematics
Mathematics is the science that deals with the logic of shape, quantity and arrangement. 
Math is all around us, in everything we do. It is the building block for everything in our daily lives, including mobile devices, architecture (ancient and modern), art, money, engineering, and even sports.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Introduction to Engineering
Gateway To Technology
Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – What is Engineering?
Things Engineers Do
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

10. 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

11. 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?

12. Additional Resources:
Introduction to Engineering
Gateway To Technology
Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – What is Engineering?
Additional Resources:
Microsoft, Inc. (2008). Clip Art. Retrieved September 10, 2008, from