Introduction to Technology and Design

What is technology? Technology is anything people design, make, or use to solve problems. Example: At one time, if people wanted to make a call they needed to be next to a phone plugged into a wall. It could be a big problem if there was an emergency. Engineers designed the cell phone so people could make calls wherever they were.

Engineers are an important part of technology. Engineers are the scientists who design new technology and modify old. Let’s watch a video.

Anybody a Purdue fan? Purdue is one of the top colleges for engineers. These students learn how to design solutions to the world’s problems.

Sometimes engineers design things just for fun. Engineers from all over the world compete in the Rube Goldberg competition. Engineering students create a unique machine that completes a simple task. This year the competition is to erase a chalkboard. Let’s see what the competition looks like.

Watch the creative way engineers found to hit a computer key! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv5WLLYo-fk

Now let’s watch how engineers open a curtain! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H30zTv406Mo&sns=em

Write about it… What did you think about the Rube Goldberg competition? What kind of planning do you think they needed to create their designs? (Write at least two paragraphs! Make sure to add million dollar words and adjectives)

Over the next couple of weeks we will be learning about the design process. The design process is what allowed the engineers to come up with their awesome solutions!