Page 12 - DESIGN & MODELING

LESSON 3: What is Engineering?

What is an engineer?

Engineering is the application of science and math to solve problems. Engineers figure out how
things work and find practical uses for scientific discoveries. Scientists and inventors often get
the credit for innovations that advance the human condition, but it is engineers who are
instrumental in making those innovations available to the world.

• Describe engineering and what an engineer does.
• Utilize standard procedures to use and maintain an engineering notebook.
• Describe the relationship between science, technology, engineering, and math.
• Identify the differences between invention and innovation.
• Operate as an effective member of a team to complete an investigation.
• Explain how engineers participate in or contribute to the invention and innovation of
products.

1. What do engineers do to clearly document & communicate their work? Why is this
important?
2. How would you explain the difference between innovation and invention?
3. What examples can you find of engineering all around us?
4. How are our lives impacted by engineers?
5. Why do engineers and designers strive to improve products used in our daily lives?
6. Why would anyone want to become an engineer?
7. Why do you think someone wants to become an engineer?
8. How would you go about becoming an engineer if you chose that as a career/job?

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