Engineering ResourcesLesson 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, medal 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

Assignment In your group, you will each come up

with one example of a core technology. Each group will be assigned one core technology. You will use the internet to print out a picture of your example. There will be at least 6 examples per group. You will share your examples with the class.