Lesson 1: Defining the Problem

Engineers are trying to solve the problem of reducing the weight of electric vehicle batteries. Which question will engineers most likely ask first to help define this problem?

• What is the lightest material available for battery production?

• How does battery weight affect vehicle performance?

• Which electric vehicles use the least energy?

• Do people prefer lighter electric cars?

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2. The picture shows a design for a wind-powered drone.

What is the most likely reason the designers of this drone would have needed to use research skills?

• The designers needed to calculate the drone's flight duration.

• The designers needed to create a computer simulation of the drone's path.

• The designers needed to find out which materials have previously been used to construct wind-powered machines.

• The designers needed to brainstorm new ways of harnessing wind power in drone technology.

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A small town is developing a system to purify its water supply. Before an engineering solution can be considered useful, which step must be completed?

• A list with many purification methods needs to be made.

• The problem of water contamination must be precisely defined.

• A list with various local water sources needs to be compiled.

• The solution should address the town’s entire water infrastructure.

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Solar panels are being installed in urban areas to increase the use of renewable energy. Their installation method was changed due to concerns about the aesthetic impact on city buildings. Which statement best describes the approach that was used to evaluate the installation process?

• It considered commercial needs.

• It considered aesthetic and societal needs.

• It was mainly concerned about the efficiency of energy production.

• It was mainly concerned with the ease of installation.

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Engineers have been designing a flood-resistant bridge for a coastal city. After analyzing the conditions, they decide that new criteria and constraints will improve the bridge’s design. Which action will they most likely take in dealing with the new criteria and constraints?

• Build the bridge according to the original design.

• Scrap the design and start the engineering process over.

• Consider the constraints only and revise the design process.

• Reframe the criteria and constraints based on additional research findings.

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A museum curator notices an increase in damage to valuable paintings due to fluctuating humidity levels. He decides to use the engineering design process to find a solution. Which of these describes how he can conduct research to find a possible solution?

• He can put up signs warning visitors to be careful near the exhibits.

• He can hire more staff to monitor the temperature and humidity levels.

• He can install humidity control systems in the museum’s display rooms.

• He can require visitors to follow specific rules regarding museum conditions.

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A group of agricultural researchers are looking to purchase irrigation equipment. The picture shows a traditional sprinkler system they are currently using. They would like a new system that is more water-efficient and affordable. Which evaluation describes how well the new design is meeting their needs?

• The new design is meeting the criteria.

• The new design is meeting the constraints.

• The new design is meeting the criteria and constraints.

• The new design is meeting one criterion and one constraint.

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Which word means the specific requirements and standards a design must meet?

• criteria

• technology

• constraint

• engineering

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Which word means limitations that define the boundaries of a design process?

• criteria

• technology

• constraint

• engineering

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What is the name of your science teacher?

• Mrs. Alleman

• Mrs. Sunday

• Mrs. Vandevander

• Mrs. Barron