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Chapter 2

Questions & Answers

Question 1

What is the Engineering


Design Process?

The engineering design process is define the problem, research


the problem, develop possible solutions, select the best
solution, create a prototype, test and evaluate the solution,
communicate the solution, redesigning, and keep a notebook.

Question 2

Did Shawns team follow


the steps of the design
process in order?

Shawn's team definitely followed the steps of the design


process. The problem was already defined that they needed an
alternative fuel source to charcoal. They researched the
problem and looked to see what other sources of fuel they could
use. The developed solutions tested them redesigned them and
finally came at a solution although their solution of sugar cane
stalks is still being tested.

Question 3

Whats the difference


between criteria
constraints?

Criteria are the desired features, and


the constraints are the limitations
involved.

Question 4

How many prototypes did


the team build? How many
were successful?

The team built three prototypes and it is still yet


to be determined if their solution was
successful because they need to see if the
fumes are less toxic and develop a way people
can make a living by making these briquettes.

Question 5
Think about Shawns response to his first
failure. Was he surprised? What do
engineers think about failure? How is this
different from the way most people think
about failure?

Shawn was disappointed but he was not surprised and he took


what he learned to develop another solution because failure is a
major and essential part to engineering. Where as most people
consider failure to only is a negative thing because they are not
satisfied with the outcome.

Question 6
Why is communicating the solution an
important step? What happens to
technologies that are not communicated?

Technologies that are not


communicated cannot be
improved as easily because
other people are not aware of
the things that you have found
through out the design process
and they cannot offer advice.

Question 7
Amy Smith says that engineers use
science to develop new
technologies. At which point in the
design process did the team use
science in developing their new
technology?

The design team used science


when they used the cassava
flour as a bonding agent to hold
together the pellets.

Question 8
Why was it critical to use materials
that we cheap and easy to find for a
new cooking technology in Haiti?

It was critical to use


materials that were cheap
and easy to find so that the
Haitians would be able to
replicate and use the
solution.

Question 9
Your principal just hired you to help solve a problem for your school.
Students are sneaking off campus for lunch because they are so
unhappy with the food choices at the school cafeteria. The principal has
budgeted only $1,000 to solve the problem, and she really wants it
solved this academic year. How would you use the engineering design
process to develop a solution to this problem? Write two or three
sentences for each step detailing how you would accomplish it?

Step 1:
I would first research why the
students were unhappy with the
school lunch. I would see what
health constraints the school
has for the lunches; what the
monetary budget is.

Step 2:
I would go about my research
by surveying the students and
discussing the constraints with
the superintendent

Step 3:
I would develop solutions with a
team of people including the
class presidents, the
superintendent, and some
faculty.

Step 4:
I would also use this team to
narrow down the solutions and
select the best one.

Step 5:
I would have one trial week of
the new lunch program and
record the evidence of it effect
on the student population.

Step 6:
I would then test this solution
for a longer period of time and
see if it still had the same
effect.

Step 7:
I would then hold another
meeting consisting of the same
people previously mentioned
and communicate the solution
to fix the problem.

Step 8:
I would then continue to meet
with a committee of students
and faculty to see what
changes need to be made in
the solution.

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