1B1 Science, Technology, and the Environment

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

How does engineering help drive science forward?

Answer 4

By building tools for research.

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

Question 5

How do science and technology work together?

Answer 5

Science drives technology, and technology advances science.

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

Question 6

True or False:

Engineering always uses existing knowledge.

Answer 6

False

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

Question 7

What is the first step in engineering design?

Answer 7

Defining the problem.

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

Question 8

True or False:

You always need a physical prototype.

Answer 8

False

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

Question 9

What is the purpose of proposing multiple solutions?

Answer 9

To find the best one.

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

Question 10

What does evaluating solutions mean?

Answer 10

Comparing options to criteria.

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

Question 11

What are limitations in design?

Answer 11

Factors that restrict how a solution is created.

Limitations might include space, regulations, or available technology.

Question 12

Define:

optimizations

Answer 12

Refining a design for the best possible outcome.

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

Question 13

Fill in the blank:

_________ is improving a solution through repeated testing.

Answer 13

Iteration

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

Question 14

Why is it important to refine designs systematically?

Answer 14

To improve without creating new problems.

Systematic refinement ensures consistent progress and avoids setbacks.

Question 15

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

Answer 15

The telescope is an advanced tool that scientists can use to study the universe.

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 16

How does science help engineering?

Answer 16

By contributing to a growing body of knowledge used to design solutions.

For example, understanding the science of aerodynamics helps engineers design better airplanes.

Question 17

True or False:

Technology can drive science.

Answer 17

True

For example, satellites gather data for climate science, driving new discoveries.

Question 18

Why is testing important?

Answer 18

To check if a design works.

Testing reveals weaknesses, helps fix issues, and ensures designs meet criteria.

Question 19

What’s an example of real-world constraints?

Answer 19

Building a house with a budget.

Engineers also consider constraints like safety codes, materials, and environmental laws.

Question 20

How does failure help in design?

Answer 20

It shows what to improve.

Many breakthroughs, like airplanes, came after learning from early failures.

Question 21

True or False:

Good designs have no trade-offs.

Answer 21

False

Every design has compromises, like balancing cost and durability.

Question 22

Why is feedback essential?

Answer 22

To improve designs.

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 23

Why is documentation important?

Answer 23

To track decisions and results.

Clear records help others understand, replicate, or improve on a design.

Question 24

Fill in the blank:

_________ helps refine ideas and improve solutions.

Answer 24

Experimentation

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

Question 25

What does **interdependence** refer to?

Answer 25

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

Question 26

Why is **ethics** important in engineering?

Answer 26

To **ensure** safety and fairness. ## Footnote Engineers must prioritize public safety, avoid environmental harm, and uphold professional standards.

Question 27

What happens if criteria are **unclear**?

Answer 27

It’s **harder** to judge success. ## Footnote Clear goals ensure designs are focused and testable.

Question 28

# Fill in the blank: A \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is a **test version** of a design.

Answer 28

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

Question 29

What is a **trade-off**?

Answer 29

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

Question 30

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

Answer 30

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

Question 31

How has technology **improved** transportation?

Answer 31

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

Question 32

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

Answer 32

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

Question 33

How do engineers **handle** environmental limits?

Answer 33

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

Question 34

# Define: Innovation

Answer 34

**Creating** something new or **improving** something existing. ## Footnote Innovation can involve new technologies, better designs, or improved processes.

Question 35

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

Answer 35

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

Question 36

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

Answer 36

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

Question 37

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

Answer 37

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

Question 38

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

Answer 38

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

Question 39

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

Answer 39

**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.

Question 40

How is **artificial intelligence** (AI) used in engineering?

Answer 40

To **optimize** designs and **automate** tasks. ## Footnote AI helps simulate designs, predict outcomes, and improve efficiency, like in autonomous vehicle development.

Question 41

# True or False: The discovery of **electricity** directly led to the invention of the light bulb.

Answer 41

True ## Footnote Scientific research on electricity enabled engineers to design practical electric lighting systems like Edison's light bulb.