Engineering Resources Lesson 3-3 Core Technologies

Purpose  To familiarize students with the engineering resources (core technologies), the building blocks of the designed world.  To identify and describe the core technologies as they are applied in the designed world.

Engineering Resources  A technology system is a group of resources (subsystems) working together to solve problems and extend human capabilities.

Engineering Resources  Mechanical technology  The technology of putting together mechanical parts to produce, control, and transmit motion.  Examples???  transmission gears, bicycle brakes, latch on a door.

Engineering Resources  Structural Technology  The technology of putting mechanical parts and materials together to create supports, containers, shelters, connectors, and functional shapes.  Example???  legs on a chair, city water tower, roads, bridges.

Engineering Resources  Electrical Technology  The technology of producing, storing, controlling, transmitting, and getting work from electrical power.  Example???  power plant generator, electric can opener, hair dryer.

Engineering Resources  Electronic Technology  The technology of using small amounts of electricity for controlling, detecting; and information collecting, storing, retrieving processing and communicating.  Example???  thermostat, metal detector, TV

Engineering Resources  Fluid Technology  The technology of using fluid, either gaseous (pneumatics) or liquid (hydraulic) to apply force or to transport.  Example???  plumbing in your home, air brakes, air in a tire

Engineering Resources  Optical Technology  The technology of producing light; using light for information collecting, storing, retrieving, processing, and communicating; and using light to do work.  Example???  light-emitting diode, magnifying lens, laser cutting tool.

Engineering Resources  Thermal Technology  The technology of producing, storing, controlling transmitting and getting work from heat energy.  Example???  toaster, hot water heater, jet engine

Engineering Resources  Biotechnology  The technology of using, adapting, and altering organisms and biological processes for a desired outcome.  Example???  stain-eating enzymes in detergents, bacteria leaching metals from ore, altering plant genes to produce better crops.

Engineering Resources  Materials Technology  The technology of producing, altering, and combining materials.  Example???  making paper from wood, drilling holes in wood, making aluminum foil from ore