| A | B |
|---|
| System | A group of interrelated parts that work together to accomplish a goal. |
| Resources | People, information, materials, tools and machines, energy, time, and capital. |
| Input | Something that is put into a system. |
| Process | The part of a system during which something is done. |
| Output | The result of the system’s process. The goal of the system. |
| Feedback | Information about the output of the system. It tells how the system is working. |
| Closed Loop System | Has feedback to monitor its system performance. |
| Open Loop System | Does not have feedback. Therefore, it cannot compare what goes into the system with what comes out. |
| Attributes | A quality, feature, or characteristic of something. |
| Design | A creative planning process that leads to useful products and systems. |
| Limitations | Restrictions or conditions that state what is allowed. |
| Criteria | What is it that we need to do. How well do we need to do it. |
| Constraints | What resources are available. What environment will our solution need to function in. |
| Scientific Method | Make and observation, Gather information, Make a Hypothesis, Conduct Experiments, Analyze Results, and Present Findings |
| Technology Design Process | Identify a Problem, Gather Information, Develop Alternative Solutions, Select the Best Solution, Implement the Solution, Evaluate the Solution |
| Engineering Design Process | Identify a Challenge, Explore Ideas, Plan and Develop, Test and Evaluate, Present Solution |
| Brainstorm | A group problem-solving design process in which each person in the group presents his or her ideas in an open forum. |
| Scale | The ratio between the size of the real product and that of the drawing or model representing it. |
| Prototype | Full size working models |
| Patent | A grant made by a government that confers upon the creator of an invention the sole right to make, use, and sell that invention for a set period of time. |
| Synergy | A situation where the final outcome of a system is greater than the sum of its parts. |
| Engineering | Combines science, mathematics, and technology to solve practical problems. |
| Mathematics | The study of the measurement, properties, and relationships of quantities and sets, using numbers and symbols. |
| Industrial Revolution | A period of time from the 18th to the 19th century where major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transportation, and technology. |
| Information Age | Began in the 1950’s with the development of the transistor and later the computer in order to organize, store and share information |
| Bronze Age | A period of technological development that lasted from 4000 to 1800 B.C. Most artifacts were made with a metal that is 60% Copper and 40% Tin. |
| Science | The study of the natural world. |
| Stone Age | A period of time in which artifacts (man-made objects) were made from sticks and rocks |
| Career | An occupation or profession that last for a significant period of time. |
| Iron Age | A period of technological development that first appeared in the Middle East in 1800 B.C. |
| Technology | Using knowledge to develop products and systems that satisfy needs, solve problems, and increase our capabilities. |
| Societal Impact | The effect technology has on the environment, politics, and the way we live. |
