science midterm 7th grade

Why is developing and using models important?

A model might be used to make a prediction.

Why is it important to optimize solutions?

After proposed solutions are selected and tested, the solution that performs the best in tests are chosen. Additional tests are done with this possible solution. A test model of the best solution is built and tests are carried out on this model.

The importance of being open minded

All ideas are considered valuable during brainstorming sessions. The ideas proposed in a brainstorming session are not completely random, though. As they are suggested, it is important to keep constraints and criteria's in mind.

How do engineers use science to solve practical problems?

Before a solution can be developed, the problem itself must be accurately defined. For example, the request that a car horn be loud is not precise.

Why do engineering problems have to be precisely worded?

Complex problems need more time and analysis before engineers can define the problem in detail.

Process and System Optimization

Engineering systems are designed to solve a well-defined problem.

Why does a problem have to be defined precisely?

If an engineering solution wants to be useful it must be defined precisely.

Why is easy to plan and carry out investigations?

In a scientific investigation, planning means asking a question and determining a way that will result in data that could help answer the question. For, example a scientists may ask how chemical structure affects tensile strength of each material.

The importance of background research.

In order to find the best design solution for an engineering problem, research is also needed. If you jump right into brainstorming without researching solutions that are already available or how similar problems were solved in the past, you do extra work and waste time. Part of the solution might exist but you need to do research.

Test models

In selecting the best solution, engineers often perform tests on a type of model called a prototype. They are built for testing and may be shown to others to get feedback for improving the design. Sometimes the physical model is a working, it could also be a mathematical or computer model.

What is Analyzing and evaluating data.

It is an important part of any science/ engineering investigation. The results of tests are useful because they can provide answers to questions or solutions to the problem

How does technology use natural resources?

Natural resources are taken from underground and used to make tools, machines and devices. For example, like wood.

evaluate test data

Once engineers use a design matrix to identify the top two or three solutions, they build prototypes for testing. Many tests provide numerical data that can be compared mathematically. Every aspect of a solution can be tested, including the cost of materials and the time needed to implement the solution.

Identify the Characteristics of the best solution

One design may not perform the best across all tests, so identifying the best-performing characteristics of the design can help design the best solution to the problem.

How do people influence technology?

People influence technology because of their wants rather than their needs. Such as larger screens on phones to watch videos and faster download streaming services.

When Criteria or Constraints change.

Reframing may be needed when there is a change in the criteria and constraints of a problem. Reframing an engineering problem in the early stage of the solution development is better than doing it later. Engineers need to research production costs, schedules, market pressures, new scientific discoveries, and customer likes and dislikes before they can clearly define engineering problems.

How do scientific understandings influence technology?

Scientific discoveries result in new types of technology. One example is the evolution of computers. Back then they used to be very big but now scientists found a way to make them smaller.

How do scientist use engineered tools to explore the natural world?

Scientists often rely on tools to carry out their research. For example, telescopes allow us to see phenomena that are too far away for the human eyes to see, so by using a telescope we can see particles up close.

Test solutions

Take each possible solution and test to see if they meet your goals and solve the problem

How does technology improve the quality of life?

Technology can improve the quality of life by helping people in their ordinary life. For example, people who have lost their hands or legs and get electronic ones that can connect to their brain, that is much easier than a wooden one.

How does the environment influence technology?

The availability of natural resources has an impact on technology. For example, the manufacture of electronics relies on the availability of elements such as neodymium, aluminum and silver.

Another example of a technology is a toothbrush. Which of the following are important criteria for choosing the most suitable material for the bristle?

The material is flexible and able to withstand wear, the material is nontoxic.

Why is it important to develop solutions?

The process of identifying what designs work and what designs do not is similar for all engineering design challenged.

Review the Data and design

The purpose of testing is to provide data that can be used to evaluate solutions. After data collection, each solution is evaluated against the criteria and constraints. The data provide evidence about the strengths and weakness of each proposed solution.

How do scientists define problems?

They look for it in a solution in a systematic way.

What do scientist use models and simulations for in natural systems?

They use them to understand how natural systems work and help them develop explanations about natural phenomena that may be difficult to obverse directly.

What do engineered systems do?

They usually address a problem or a need. Many are made up with smaller systems that interact with one another.

Redefine Criteria and Constraints

When you change the problem, you need to define new criteria and constraints. You need to think about how to define the criteria and constraints of this problem.

Brainstorming solutions

When you work with other people to come up with ideas, you are brainstorming. Some ideas seem unusable but it is important to think of as many ideas as possible.

Which of the following is a form of technology?

a lollipop stick, city park, a public transit system, a television

output

a product of a system

System

a set of interacting parts that work together

What is an engineered system?

a system designed by people to carry out a task

Technology

any tool, process, or system that is designed to solve a problem

What does your respiratory system allow you to do?

breathe

Iterative Design Process

design method based on a cyclic process of prototyping, testing, analyzing, and refining a product or process.

Iterative Testing

design testing that is repeated many times

How do different models meet different needs?

different types of models allow scientists and engineers to test ideas and find solutions to difficult questions.

What kind of need does the simple technology shown in the photograph solve?

having stable footing while hiking

Systems are often?

interconnected with many other systems when something goes wrong

A trade off

is the act of giving up one design advantage in order to keep another

What does the engineering design process do?

it involves defining and solving problems or needs.

constraints

limitations that engineers face during the design process

input

material, energy, or information that enters a system

A positive/ negative impact this technology could have on society is that it makes it easier/ more difficult for people to get exercise outside by hiking.

positive/ easier

What positive impacts will the construction of this water infrastructure have on the town for which it is built.

provide a clean and reliable water supply, create more jobs for people in town people in the town, prevent the river from flooding

What negative environmental impact(s) could occur during the building of this water infrastructure.

release of pollutants into the water

components

that interact and carry out a process

boundary

the edges of a system and identifies the components of the system

criteria

the features or qualities the solution should have.

tensile strength

the resistance of a material to breaking under tension

engineering

the systematic practice of solving problems with designed solutions

What do scientist use models and simulations for in engineered systems?

to analyze engineered systems. They test models to see where flaws might occur or to test the possible solution to a problem.

Do questions help the engineering problem

yes

Does an engineering problem begin with a problem, need or desire?

yes

Does every solution begin with a problem?

yes, in order to design a solution, engineers must start with a clearly stated problem