Unit 1:Lesson 1: Engineering Design

Which activity would more likely be performed by engineers than by scientists?

• A. explaining how forces impact matter

• B. collecting data and developing theories

• C. applying scientific principles to design a structure

• D. investigating a phenomenon to understand how it works

Which phrase describes a risk of an engineering design?

• A. a disadvantage of a solution

• B. a favorable effect of a solution

• C. an advantage that may happen

• D. a cost that may or may not happen

A product designer is deciding whether to use wood or plastic for a knife handle. Which sentence describes a tradeoff involved in this decision?

• A. Plastic is the best solution because it is more durable.

• B. Wood is the best solution because it is easier to hold and looks better.

• C. Wood is good for knives that are used to cut with precision or are given as gifts.

• D. Plastic is good for knives that are used a lot even though it can sometimes be slippery.

After a problem or need is identified, which step in the engineering design process should be taken?

• A. design solutions

• B. optimize solutions

• C. define the problem

• D. implement solution

A city hires engineers to design a bridge over a river as part of a major civil engineering project. They brainstorm several different designs. How should the solutions be evaluated?

• A. only criteria

• B. level of creativity

• C. detail of the design

• D. criteria and constraints

Which step is used by engineers to optimize a solution?

• A. repeating the design process and making changes

• B. identifying the benefits of the first design that works

• C. using any material that is easily available to reduce cost

• D. identifying and managing risks after the design has been built