EE Vocab Quiz

Consensus

General agreement.

Optimize

Making the best or most effective use of resources to get the best possible solution.

Design Process

A systematic problemsolving strategy, with criteria and constraints, used to develop many possible solutions to solve a problem or satisfy human needs and wants and to winnow (narrow) down the possible solutions to one final choice.

Engineering Mindset

A way of thinking that affects how someone interacts with a challenge, comes up with a solution to a problem, and innovates on current technologies or systems.

Sustainable

A method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged and will still be available for future generations.

Collaboration

Collaboration is the action of two or more people working together through idea sharing to accomplish a common goal.

Ethical Dilemmas

A situation in which there is a choice to be made between two (or more) options, neither of which resolves the situation in an ethically acceptable fashion.

Systems Thinking

Understanding a system by examining the connections between the parts that compose the entirety of the system.

System

A group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent elements or parts that function together as a whole to accomplish a goal. Change happens if you add or remove a part.

Patent

A government authority or license conferring a right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention.

Conceptual Model

A visual representation of an idea. A conceptual model can be a sketch, concept map, schematic, flow chart, or any other visual representation.

Graphical Model

A pictorial representation (such as a picture, map, or technical drawing) used to convey detailed information. In engineering, graphical models are created using standards of engineering graphics to document a design and are often referred to as technical drawings.

Spatial

Relating to, occupying, or having the character of space. Spatial describes how objects fit together in space or down here on Earth.

Logistics

The detailed coordination of a complex operation involving many people, facilities, or supplies.

Simulate

To reproduce the conditions of (a situation, etc). To use a model to imitate certain conditions for purposes of study or training.

Model

An accurate representation of an object or phenomenon. Models can be visual, physical, mathematical, or computational, and are often used in the development of scientific theories or the engineering of artifacts.

Decision Matrix

A tool used to compare design solutions against one another using specific criteria.

Data Validation

A spreadsheet feature used to control what a user can enter into a cell.

Conditional Formatting

A spreadsheet feature that allows the user to automatically apply formatting to one or more cells based on the cell value.

Algorithmic Thinking

Creating a sequence of steps to solve a problem or accomplish a task.

Trade Offs

An exchange of one thing in return for another: especially relinquishment of one benefit or advantage for another regarded as more desirable.

Ethical Issue

A problem or situation that requires a person or organization to choose between alternatives that must be evaluated as right (ethical) or wrong (unethical).

Ethical Dilemma

A situation in which there is a choice to be made between two (or more) options, neither of which resolves the situation in an ethically acceptable fashion.

Constructive Criticism

The process of offering valid and well reasoned opinions about the work of others, usually involving both positive and negative comments, in a friendly manner rather than an oppositional one.

Problem Statement

A clear and concise identification and description of the design problem or opportunity.

Variable

A factor in an experiment that changes and may impact the experimental outcome.

Hypothesis

A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation

Independent Variable

A variable that represents a quantity that is being manipulated in an experiment. The letter x is often the variable used to represent the independent variable in an equation.

Dependent Variable

A variable that represents a quantity whose value depends on how the independent variable is manipulated. The letter y is often the variable used to represent the dependent variable in an equation.

Controls

Controls used as the standards for comparison and providing baseline data. All experimental data is compared to the control data in order to determine if the independent variable has an effect.

Positive Control

Part of a well designed experiment that shows scientists what a positive result will look like.

Negative Control

A component of an experiment demonstrating what a negative result looks like. Used as a comparison against positive results.

Qualitative Data

Data dealing with descriptors and characteristics, such as color, texture, odor, etc.

Quantitative Data

Data dealing with numbers, such as height, volume, length, time, temperature, etc.

Reliable

Consistently able to perform as expected.

Durable

Able to maintain structure and function during a life span.

Infill density

Percentage of an object that is solid material inside.

Validate

To check or prove the accuracy of (something).

Design Brief

A written plan that identifies a problem to be solved, its criteria, and its constraints. The design brief is used to encourage thinking of all aspects of a problem before attempting a solution.

Criteria

A means of judging. A standard, rule, or test by which something can be judged.

Constraints

A limitation or restriction.

Measurables

Able to be measured; Measurable design criteria should provide a precise indicator of a quantifiable characteristic so that a design can be compared to the criteria and deemed acceptable or unacceptable.

Stakeholders

An individual, group, or organization who may affect, be affected by, or perceive itself to be affected by a decision, activity, or outcome of a project.

Optimize

Making the best or most effective use of resources to get the best possible solution.

Authoritative

Able to be trusted as being accurate or true; reliable.

Decomposing

Breaking down a problem to smaller more manageable parts.

Project Manager

A person responsible for coordinating and motivating people and resources to advance a project toward meeting the project requirements.

Critical path

The sequence of activities that represents the longest path through a project, which determines the shortest possible duration.

Gantt Chart

A time and activity bar chart that is used for planning, managing, and controlling major programs that have a distinct beginning and end.

Project Charter

A document issued by the project initiator or sponsor that formally authorizes the existence of a pro­ject and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities.

Project Scope

The work performed to deliver a product, service, or result with the specified features and functions.

Team norms

A set of rules or guidelines that a team establishes to shape the interaction of team members with one other.