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Chapter 2 Connecting Technology and Engineering through Mathematics and Science
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The person cracking open the walnut used the
trial-and-error approach based on technological
know-how. The person used two rocks, knowing
that the rock was harder than the walnut. This
logic was not based on science; it was based on the
person’s experience with rocks. If the rock did not
work, the person might have tried another object
or materials to open the walnut. Once the object or
material that worked was found, the person might
try different types and shapes to find the ones that fi
worked the best. This approach to solving problems
combined with the creative actions of people to
develop new technologies is considered a techno-
logical design process.
Design is simply the process of creating some-
thing. Technological design is the open-ended, trial-
and-error process of creating a problem solution to
meet needs and desires. Engineering differs from
the technological design process, however, in that
engineering is a more systematic approach to design
solutions. Engineering is based on a solid founda-
tion of scientifi and mathematical knowledge. fic
Engineering design is an explicit and intentional
path to effi create a technological solution ficiently
to a problem. This approach includes predictive
analysis to determine how well a proposed solu-
tion solves a problem, before the solution is actu-
ally produced. The engineering design process
also includes practices for optimizing a solution
based on mathematical modeling and analysis.
Optimization is the engineering practice of making
something as fully effective or as perfect as possible
using mathematical procedures.
Technological and engineering design processes
include six basic steps to create technological solutions
to problems, Figure 2-8.
1. Identify and define a problem. fi A person or
group develops basic information about the
problem and the design limitations.
2. Gather information. A person or group
searches for all background information neces-
sary to develop solution ideas for the problem.
3. Develop a design solution. A person or group
develops and refi several possible solu- fines
tions. They will then isolate, refine, and detail fi
the best solution.
4. Model and make a solution. A person or
group produces a physical, graphic, or math-
ematical model/prototype of the selected
solution.
5. Evaluate the solution. A person or group
will test a physical, graphic, or mathematical
model of the selected solution to the problem
to determine how well it actually solves the
problem. Based on this information, a person
or group can optimize or redesign the solution
to better solve the problem.
6. Communicate the fi nal solution. fi A person
or group selects a final solution and prepares fi
documents needed to produce and use the
device or system.
These steps in the design process are explained
in depth in Chapter 4.
Achieving Goals through
Technology and Engineering
Engineers have a goal in mind when developing
technology. Each technological artifact, however,
generally meets more than one goal. For example,
engineers developed radar (radio ( ( detection and
ranging) to determine the position and speed of
aircraft. Radar had a major impact on military strat-
egies during World War II. Today, this technology
contributes to safe, reliable air transportation. It
is also used to predict the weather and to detect
Model and Make
a Solution
Evaluate the
Solution
Communicate
the Final Solution
Identify and
Define
a Problem
Engineering Design Process
Gather
Information
Develop a
Design Solution
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Figure 2-8. Six basic steps to designing and creating
technological solutions.