Core Concepts in Engineering and Innovation

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms related to engineering, innovation, and concepts important in the field.

Invention

Something invented.

Innovation

A new idea, method, or device.

Inventor

One that finds or discovers something.

Innovator

A person or organization that introduces new ideas or methods.

Engineer

A member of a military group devoted to engineering work.

Entrepreneur

The organizer of a business venture.

Brainstorming

A group problem-solving technique that involves the spontaneous contribution of ideas from all members of the group.

Engineering Design Process

A systematic, iterative series of steps engineers use to solve problems by defining a need, brainstorming solutions, designing, building prototypes, testing, and refining designs.

Driving Question

An open-ended, thought-provoking question that serves as the central focus for a project, guiding students to investigate real-world problems.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for something that is tentatively assumed in order to test its validity.

Drawing to Scale

A drawing that accurately represents the proportions of a real object, keeping all parts in the correct relative size.

Model/Prototype

An original model on which something is patterned.

Quantitative Data

Information that can be counted, measured, and expressed numerically.

Qualitative Data

Non-numerical information that describes qualities, focusing on the 'why' and 'how' behind phenomena.

Anecdotal Evidence

Evidence in the form of stories that people tell about their experiences.

Iteration

The action or process of iterating or repeating.

Intellectual Property

Property that derives from the effort of the mind or intellect.

Patents

Legal rights granted to inventors to protect their inventions.

Trademark

A device that points distinctly to the origin or ownership of merchandise.

Copyright

The exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish, sell, or distribute a work.

Trade Secret

Information with economic value that is not generally known and for which efforts have been made to maintain secrecy.

Market Research

Research into the size, location, and makeup of a product market.

Marketable

Fit to be offered for sale in a market.

Sustainable

Capable of being sustained.