T/E 4 - Adaptive vs. Assistive Engineered Products

Which of these is the best example of a product that results from adaptive engineering?

• a farm tool with a curved blade
• a water sprinkler activated by a timer
• a system for planting different crops each year
• a genetically modified plant species that resists pests

A scientist is unable to speak or move most of the muscles in his body.  This scientist uses his cheek to push buttons on a type of keyboard that translates the words into a computerized voice.  Which of these best describes the scientist's device?

• assistive, because the device makes the scientist famous
• assistive, because the device allows the scientist to communicate
• adaptive, because the scientist can use the device for other tasks
• adaptive because the scientist can still move some parts of his body

Which of these is the best example of an assistive technology that helps a person overcome a disability.

• a computer program that can change text into spoken words
• an oven that contains a fan that moves hot air around
• a television with a button that can lower the volume
• a telephone that records digital voice messages from callers

Which is the best example of an assistive technology that was designed to help a person overcome a disability?

• a mobile telephone with a ringer that can be turned off
• a computer with a magnifier over the screen
• a type of plant that is made to resist pests
• a new type of fuel made from algae

Which is the best example of adaptive biotechnology?

• cookware made with cast iron
• treating a headache with aspirin
• measuring volume in a beaker
• doorbells that flash a light when activated

Which is the best example of an assistive bioengineered product?

• a rosebush that is bred to have roses of a specific color
• a computer program that helps a paralyzed person control a wheelchair
• a pesticide produced from the compounds of a plant
• a bacterium that generates oil byproducts in the presence of sunlight

Which is the best example of an adaptive bioengineered product?

• sugar cane that is processed to make fuel
• mules that are bred from horses and donkeys for farmwork
• ladybugs that are raised to eat garden pests
• eyeglasses that are used to correct near-sided vision