1B1 Science, Engineering, and Technology

Question 1

What is technology?

Answer 1

The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.

Examples include smartphones, bridges, and medical devices.

Question 2

Define:

Science

Answer 2

Studying the natural world in order to understand it.

Science provides the foundational knowledge for technological and engineering innovations.

Question 3

What is engineering?

Answer 3

The process of designing, building, and improving structures, machines, or systems.

Engineering applies both scientific principles and creative problem-solving techniques.

Question 4

Define:

Innovation

Answer 4

Creating something new or improving something existing.

Innovation can involve new technologies, better designs, or improved processes.

Question 5

True or False:

The discovery of electricity directly led to the invention of the light bulb.

Answer 5

True

Scientific research on electricity enabled engineers to design practical electric lighting systems like Edison’s light bulb.

Question 6

How does engineering help drive science forward?

Answer 6

By building tools for research.

Instruments like microscopes or telescopes enable discoveries that weren’t possible before.

Question 7

How do science and technology work together?

Answer 7

Science drives technology, and technology advances science.

For example, better computers enable faster climate modeling, helping scientists predict weather patterns more accurately.

Question 8

True or False:

Engineering always uses existing knowledge.

Answer 8

False

Engineering often leads to new scientific discoveries, like better materials or energy sources.

Question 9

How is artificial intelligence (AI) used in engineering?

Answer 9

To optimize designs and automate tasks.

AI helps simulate designs, predict outcomes, and improve efficiency, like in autonomous vehicle development.

Question 10

Define:

engineering design

Answer 10

A set of structured steps engineers use when developing a product.

This iterative process combines creativity and technical knowledge to develop effective solutions.

Question 11

What is the first step in engineering design?

Answer 11

Defining the problem.

A well-defined problem is the foundation of the design process.

Question 12

What are success criteria?

Answer 12

Goals a solution must meet.

For example, a bridge must support weight, stay within budget, and meet safety standards.

Question 13

Why is ethics important in engineering?

Answer 13

To ensure safety and fairness.

Engineers must prioritize public safety, avoid environmental harm, and uphold professional standards.

Question 14

True or False:

You always need a physical prototype.

Answer 14

False

Simulations, like flight tests for planes, save resources while refining designs.

Question 15

Define:

constraints

Answer 15

Limits on the solution.

Constraints can include materials, costs, time, or environmental laws.

Question 16

What happens if criteria are unclear?

Answer 16

It’s harder to judge success.

Clear goals ensure designs are focused and testable.

Question 17

True or False:

Constraints are optional.

Answer 17

False

Constraints help focus the design process and make the solution realistic.

Question 18

What is the purpose of proposing multiple solutions?

Answer 18

To find the best one.

Exploring several ideas helps compare options and meet all criteria and constraints.

Question 19

What does evaluating solutions mean?

Answer 19

Comparing options to criteria.

Engineers test or analyze each idea to find the most practical and effective one.

Question 20

What are limitations in design?

Answer 20

Factors that restrict how a solution is created.

Limitations might include space, regulations, or available technology.

Question 21

Fill in the blank:

A _______ is a test version of a design.

Answer 21

prototype

Prototypes reveal flaws and allow early improvements before finalizing the design.

Question 22

Define:

optimizations

Answer 22

Refining a design for the best possible outcome.

Optimization makes a solution more efficient, cost-effective, or reliable.

Question 23

Fill in the blank:

_________ is improving a solution through repeated testing.

Answer 23

Iteration

Iteration involves testing and improving repeatedly, like tweaking a car engine for better performance.

Question 24

Why is it important to refine designs systematically?

Answer 24

To improve without creating new problems.

Systematic refinement ensures consistent progress and avoids setbacks.

Question 25

Explain how the **Hubble Space Telescope** is an example of engineering supporting scientific progress.

Answer 25

The telescope is an **advanced tool** that scientists can use to study the universe. ## Footnote The Hubble Space Telescope can take extremely high-resolution images of space and the universe. The tool has led to many discoveries, such as the existence of supermassive black holes.

Question 26

How does science **help** engineering?

Answer 26

By contributing to a **growing body of knowledge** used to design solutions. ## Footnote For example, understanding the science of aerodynamics helps engineers design better airplanes.

Question 27

# True or False: Technology can **drive** science.

Answer 27

True ## Footnote For example, satellites gather **data** for climate science, driving new discoveries.

Question 28

Why is **testing** important?

Answer 28

To **check** if a design works. ## Footnote Testing reveals weaknesses, helps fix issues, and ensures designs meet criteria.

Question 29

What’s an example of **real-world** constraints?

Answer 29

Building a house with a **budget**. ## Footnote Engineers also consider constraints like safety codes, materials, and environmental laws.

Question 30

How does **failure** help in design?

Answer 30

It **shows** what to improve. ## Footnote Many breakthroughs, like airplanes, came after learning from early failures.

Question 31

What is a **trade-off**?

Answer 31

A **compromise** between benefits. ## Footnote For instance, a lighter material might improve fuel efficiency but reduce durability.

Question 32

# True or False: Good designs have no **trade-offs**.

Answer 32

False ## Footnote Every design has compromises, like balancing cost and durability.

Question 33

Why is **feedback** essential?

Answer 33

To **improve** designs. ## Footnote Feedback identifies problems and areas for improvement, helping refine the design. For example, user feedback on a smartphone app might highlight usability issues, leading to a smoother interface in the next version.

Question 34

Why is **documentation** important?

Answer 34

To **track** decisions and results. ## Footnote Clear records help others understand, replicate, or improve on a design.

Question 35

# Fill in the blank: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ helps refine ideas and improve solutions.

Answer 35

Experimentation ## Footnote Experiments test if designs meet criteria and identify areas for improvement.

Question 36

What does **interdependence** refer to?

Answer 36

Science, engineering, and technology **rely** on each other. ## Footnote For example, science *inspires* technology, and technology *enables* new scientific discoveries.

Question 37

# True or False: **Optimization** always creates a perfect design.

Answer 37

False ## Footnote Designs aim for the best possible outcome within the given constraints.

Question 38

How has technology **improved** transportation?

Answer 38

By making it **faster** and **safer**. ## Footnote Innovations like airplanes and self-driving cars have transformed how people travel.

Question 39

# True or False: Engineering **only** applies to large projects.

Answer 39

False ## Footnote Engineering includes small designs, like medical syringes, and large-scale projects, like airplanes.

Question 40

How do engineers **handle** environmental limits?

Answer 40

By **creating** eco-friendly solutions. ## Footnote Solar panels, for example, reduce pollution while providing renewable energy.

Question 41

What is the **purpose** of a simulation?

Answer 41

To model and test designs **virtually**. ## Footnote Simulations test designs virtually, like modeling a car crash to improve safety.

Question 42

# True or False: The first solution is **usually** the best.

Answer 42

False ## Footnote Multiple ideas and testing often lead to better results than the initial design.

Question 43

A city needs a bridge to connect two neighborhoods but has a limited budget. What is the likely **constraint** for this project?

Answer 43

Budget ## Footnote Engineers might use cost-effective materials or modular designs to balance costs and durability.

Question 44

A scientist discovers a new metal that is super lightweight but **expensive**. How might engineers use it?

Answer 44

In projects where **weight** matters more than **cost**. ## Footnote This could include aircraft or spacecraft where lighter materials improve efficiency despite high expenses.

Question 45

A rural village needs **clean water** but has no electricity. What is the main challenge?

Answer 45

**Designing** an off-grid water purification system. ## Footnote Engineers might design solar-powered filters or gravity-fed water purification systems to create a sustainable solution.