Engineering Unit 1 Terms

On the Engineering Terms of Unit 1

Consensus

Group agreement reached after discussion.

Optimize

To improve something so it works as efficiently or effectively as possible.

Design Process

A step-by-step method for solving problems through planning, building, testing, and improving.

Engineering Mindset

A way of thinking focused on problem-solving, testing ideas, and improving solutions.

Sustainable

Able to continue long-term without harming resources or the environment.

Collaboration

Working with others to achieve a shared goal.

Ethical Dilemmas

Situations where you must choose between two conflicting moral options.

Systems Thinking

Understanding how parts of a system interact and affect the whole.

System

A group of connected parts that work together.

Patent

Legal protection that gives an inventor exclusive rights to their invention.

Conceptual Model

A mental or written explanation of how something works.

Graphical Model

A visual representation of a system or idea (charts, diagrams, graphs).

Spatial

Relating to space, shapes, positions, and how objects are arranged.

Logistics

Planning and managing how resources, people, and materials are organized and moved.

Simulate

To imitate a real-world process or system in a controlled way.

Model

A simplified representation used to understand or test something.

Decision Matrix

A tool used to compare options by scoring them against criteria.

Iterative

Repeating a process to improve it each time.

Data Validation

Checking data to make sure it is accurate and reliable.

Conditional Formatting

Changing how data appears in a spreadsheet based on rules.

Algorithmic Thinking

Breaking problems into step-by-step instructions or rules.

Trade-Offs

Choosing between options when improving one thing may reduce another.

Ethical Issue

A situation involving questions of right and wrong.

Constructive Criticism

Helpful feedback meant to improve performance or work.

Problem Statement

A clear description of the problem that needs to be solved.

Variable

Anything in an experiment that can change.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about what will happen in an experiment.

Independent Variable

The variable that is changed in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment.

Controls

Variables kept the same to ensure a fair test.

Positive Control

A setup that is expected to produce a result.

Negative Control

A setup expected to produce no result.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive data (non-numerical).

Quantitative Data

Numerical data and measurements.

Reliable

Consistent results when repeated.

Durable

Able to withstand wear and last a long time.

Infill Density

The amount of solid material inside a 3D-printed object.

Validate

To check that something is correct or accurate.

Design Brief

A short description of what needs to be designed and why.

Criteria

Requirements that a solution must meet.

Constraints

Limitations or restrictions in a design problem.

Measurables

Features that can be measured to evaluate success.

Stakeholders

People affected by or involved in a project.

Authoritative

Coming from a trusted or official source.

Decomposing

Breaking a complex problem into smaller parts.

Project Manager

Person responsible for planning and overseeing a project.

Critical Path

The longest sequence of tasks that determines project duration.

Gantt Chart

A visual timeline showing tasks and deadlines.

Project Charter

Document that officially starts a project and defines goals.

Project Scope

What is included and excluded in a project.

Team Norms

Rules and expectations for how a team works together.