3.  Technology refers to the products and processes that are designed to meet our needs.  Tools and methods for creating these products are also technology.  Technology refers to ANY process, product, or knowledge that is developed to meet a need.

4.  Engineering is the process of using science and mathematics to create or improve technology.  Engineers are scientists who create technology.

5.  The engineering design process is the process engineers use to develop a new technology.  Similar to the scientific method the steps can be completed in order or repeated as needed.  There are 5 Steps

6. - Identify and Research A Need - Engineers research and define a need or problem they are trying to solve. - Example: - Need: I want to write my thoughts down. - Technology: Pencil, paper, pen, etc.

7. Developing Possible Solutions Making a Prototype  Once a need has been identified and researched, the second step is to think about possible solutions.  One way is to brainstorm ideas by having a group of people share ideas quickly.  After the best idea is chosen, the next step is to build a prototype.  A prototype is a test model of the product that allows engineers to see if their design works the way they expect it to.

8. Testing and Evaluation Modifying and retesting the solution  This step helps to determine whether the technology does the job it was designed to do.  Cost-benefit Analysis- during this step engineers determine if the cost of making the product is worth the benefit of the product. Ex: If it is very expensive to make and only somewhat useful it is not worth making the product.  If the prototype did not work well engineers would either modify the prototype or try a new solution.  They would also look to see if the prototype could fill a different need.

9.  Anytime a new product is created engineers must look at the intended benefits –vs- the unintended consequences.  Intended benefits are the “good things: a product was meant to do.  Ex: A refrigerator keeps food from spoiling.

10.  Unintended consequences are the “bad things” that are caused by the new technology that engineers did not anticipate happening.  Ex: Early refrigerators used toxic gas to cool. The gas began to leak as the refrigerator got older.

11.  Adaptive Bioengineering: refers to a product or process that CHANGES the living thing.  Ex: Altering DNA in cells, pest resistant corn, artificial skin  Assistive Bioengineering: a product or process that HELPS a living thing but DOES NOT CHANGE them permanently.  Ex: prosthetic leg, crutches, contact lenses