Unit 1
Design for
Engineering
14 April, 2006
(Microsoft clip art)
(Microsoft clip art)
The history of engineering can be divided into four major areas of
development: the pre-scientific revolution, the industrial revolution, the
second industrial revolution, and the information age.
The pre-scientific revolution would include construction the pyramids
of the Egyptians, the famous structures of the ancient Greek culture such
as the Parthenon and Acropolis, and the ancient Roman structures such as
the Coliseum, Circus Maximus, Hadrian’s Wall and aqueducts for water
transportation. These structures were built using simple machines and tools.
They also used a very important geometric formula a squared + b squared = c
squared (Pythagorean theorem) developed by the Greek Pythagoras, as the
basis for getting structures to be square and true. The ancient civilizations
built these structures but did not understand the physics or scientific
theory that allowed the structures to stand or for all of the equipment the
used to build these structures.
2006 Greg Heitkamp
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science
Foundation under Grant No. 0402616.) Any opinions, findings and conclusions
or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National Science Foundation
(NSF).
Egyptian Pyramids
(Microsoft clip art)
Roman Architecture (Microsoft clip art)
The forerunners of engineers, practical artists and craftsmen, had to
proceed mainly by trial and error. Yet tinkering combined with imagination
produced many marvelous inventions of consequence. Many ancient
monuments are something we should admire for the ability of ancient man to
overcome and improvise to create the monuments we view today. The
admiration is embodied in the name “engineer” itself. The term engineer
began to be used in the eleventh century was derived from the Latin
ingeniator, meaning one with ingenium, the ingenious one. Leonardo da Vinci
bore the official title of Ingegnere Generale for the ideas he possessed His
notebooks reveal that some Renaissance engineers had begun to ask the
question about how to systematically evaluate what works and why.
Da Vinci
created
many
designs
including
the
parachute
Microsoft clip art
Microsoft clip art
2006 Greg Heitkamp
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science
Foundation under Grant No. 0402616.) Any opinions, findings and conclusions
or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National Science Foundation
(NSF).
“The first phase of modern engineering emerged in the Scientific
Revolution. Galileo’s Two New Sciences, which seeks systematic explanations
and adopts a scientific approach to practical problems, is a landmark
regarded by many engineer historians as the beginning of structural analysis,
the mathematical representation and design of building structures. This
phase of engineering lasted through the First Industrial Revolution, when
machines, increasingly powered by steam engines, started to replace muscles
in most production. When Watt improved the steam, people knew what the
engine could do, but no one really understood thermodynamic thrust or how
it worked, just that it did work. The understanding of the principle would be
at least fifty years behind the steam engines use. The skilled people who
built these machines were artisans and their skills were paramount to
creating the industrial
While pulling off the revolution, traditional artisans transformed
themselves to modern professionals. The French, more rationalistic oriented,
spearheaded the development of civil engineering with emphasis on
mathematics and developed university engineering education under the
sponsorship of their government. The British, more empirically oriented,
pioneered mechanical engineering and autonomous professional societies
under the laissez-faire attitude of their government. Gradually, practical
thinking became scientific in addition to intuitive, as engineers developed
mathematical analysis and controlled experiments. Technical training
shifted from apprenticeship to university education. Information flowed
more quickly in organized meetings and journal publications as professional
engineering societies emerged.”
http://www.creatingtechnology.org/history.htm
“A Peace Establishment for the United States of America may in my
opinion . . . [include] Academies, one or more for the Instruction of the Art
Military; particularly those Branches of it which respect Engineering and
Artillery, which are highly essential, and the knowledge of which is most
difficult to obtain.” —George Washington, “Sentiments on a Peace
Establishment,” May 1783
http://americanhistory.si.edu/westpoint/history_1.html
2006 Greg Heitkamp
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science
Foundation under Grant No. 0402616.) Any opinions, findings and conclusions
or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National Science Foundation
(NSF).
The military academy at West Point was a direct result of George
Washington’s recommendation to Congress. The first schools in the United
States to offer an engineering education were the United States Military
Academy (West Point) in 1817, an institution now known as Norwich Univ. in
1819, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1825. An engineering education
is based on a strong foundation in mathematics and science; this is followed
by courses emphasizing the application of this knowledge to a specific field
and studies in the social sciences and humanities to give the engineer a
broader education. The broader based education helps the engineer to
understand how what he does affects the world around him or her.
http://www.answers.com/topic/engineering
Until the Industrial Revolution there were only two kinds of engineers.
The military engineers built such things as fortifications, catapults, and,
later, cannons. The civil engineers built bridges, harbors, aqueducts,
buildings, and other structures. During the early 19th century in England
mechanical engineering developed as a separate field to provide
manufacturing machines and the engines to power them. The first British
professional society of civil engineers was formed in 1818; that for
mechanical engineers followed in 1847. In the United States, the order of
growth of the different branches of engineering, measured by the date a
professional society was formed, is civil engineering (1852), mining and
metallurgical engineering (1871), mechanical engineering (1880), electrical
engineering (1884), and chemical engineering (1908). Aeronautical
engineering, industrial engineering, and genetic engineering are more modern
developments having their development in the Twentieth Century.
The second industrial revolution occurred during the historical period
from the 1840’s to the 1930’s when the science base engineering fields came
into existence. The areas of chemical engineering, electrical engineering, and
other science-based fields of engineering developed electricity,
telecommunications, airplanes, and mass production causing many changes in
the world as the engineer knew it. The changes also changed the product
people used and the way technological advancement was perceived.
2006 Greg Heitkamp
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science
Foundation under Grant No. 0402616.) Any opinions, findings and conclusions
or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National Science Foundation
(NSF).
The information age has produced many more changes in the fields of
engineering. The field of engineering has matured as telecommunications,
microelectronics and computers have caused us to forge ahead into the field
of information technology. Today the field of engineering is second only in
size to teaching. The field that in the 1700’s had two major fields today had
listed on one website over eighty different majors for the field of
engineering (http://www.answers.com/topic/fields-of-engineering). The
fields ranged from the traditional civil and mechanical fields to nanoengineering and environmental engineering. The changes have occurred since
the rapid changes in technology have caused a need for engineers to create
products to handle a wide range of different problems in these new
technologies. The fields of engineering are growing as the technology of
society changes to meet the needs of society.
What is engineering?
Engineering is the application of scientific and technical knowledge to
solve human problems. Engineers use imagination, judgment, reasoning and
experience to apply science, technology, mathematics, and practical
experience. The result is the design, production, and operation of useful
objects or processes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineering
What is technology education?
Technology Education is the study of human ability to create and use
to tools to shape the natural environment to meet there needs. Technology
Educations goal is to spread Technological Literacy, which is accomplished by
bring laboratory activities to students.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology_Education
Engineers are typically good problem solvers and team players who
enjoy working with others to design, construct, and analyze projects.
Creativity and innovation are the keys to successful engineering along with
2006 Greg Heitkamp
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science
Foundation under Grant No. 0402616.) Any opinions, findings and conclusions
or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National Science Foundation
(NSF).
sharp communication skills. Mathematics is the language of engineers, and a
firm grasp on algebra, trigonometry, and calculus is essential. A knowledge of
chemistry and physics are also tools of the trade required by engineers.
To become an engineer, a Bachelor of Science degree is required. An
engineering degree takes four to five years of rigorous study and
preparation. Entrance requirements for most colleges are similar. Most
require the prospective student to be in the upper half of his or her high
school graduating class and have a good ACT or SAT score.
http://www.swe.org/swefaq/faqstudents.aspx
Engineers are governed by a code of conduct called NSPE (National Society
of Professional Engineers) Code of Ethics. The NSPE Code of Ethics
Preamble reads the following way: “Engineering is an important and learned
profession. As members of this profession, engineers are expected to
exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Engineering has a
direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people. Accordingly, the
services provided by engineers require honesty, impartially, fairness and
equity, and must be dedicated to public health, safety, and welfare.
Engineers must perform under a standard of professional behavior that
requires the adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct.”
Engineers even take an oath like the Hippocratic Oath taken by doctors and
vow to uphold the proper conduct.
AN ENGINEER'S HIPPOCRATIC OATH [1]
I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of
humanity. I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is
their due; I will be loyal to the profession of engineering and just and
generous to its members; I will lead my life and practice my profession
2006 Greg Heitkamp
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science
Foundation under Grant No. 0402616.) Any opinions, findings and conclusions
or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National Science Foundation
(NSF).
in uprightness and honor; whatever project I shall undertake, it shall be
for the good of mankind to the utmost of my power; I will keep far
away from wrong, from corruption, and from tempting others to vicious
practice; I will exercise my profession solely for the benefit of
humanity and perform no act for a criminal purpose, even if solicited,
far less suggest it; I will speak out against evil and unjust practice
wheresoever I encounter it; I will not permit considerations of religion,
nationality, race, party politics, or social standing to intervene between
my duty and my work; even under threat, I will not use my professional
knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity; I will endeavour to avoid
waste and the consumption of non-renewable resources. I make these
promises solemnly, freely, and upon my honor."
http://courses.cs.vt.edu/~cs3604/lib/WorldCodes/Hippocr.Oath.html
Standards to be met in reading assignment along with
activities:
Standard 1: Students will develop an understanding of the
characteristics and scope of technology.
J. The nature and development of technological knowledge And
processes are functions of setting.
K. The rate of technological development and diffusion is
increasing rapidly.
Standard 3: Student will develop an understanding of the
relationships among technologies and the connections between
technology and other fields of study
H. Technological innovation often results when ideas,
knowledge, of skills are shared within a technology or among
technologies or across fields.
J. Technological progress promotes the advancement of science
and mathematics.
2006 Greg Heitkamp
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science
Foundation under Grant No. 0402616.) Any opinions, findings and conclusions
or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National Science Foundation
(NSF).
Name: _____________________
Technology Education 660
Design for Engineering
History of Engineering Pop Quiz
The forerunners of the engineers of today were:
a. surveyors
b. soldiers
c. practical artisans and craftsmen
d. metal workers
Where did the word engineer originated from which language?
a. Arabic
b. Hebrew
c. Latin
d. Greek
Who believed America needed to establish academies for the instruction of
the art of the military especially engineering and artillery?
a. Thomas Jefferson
b. Aaron Burr
c. Light Horse Harry Lee
d. George Washington
What were the two major types of engineers at the beginning of the
industrial revolution?
a._____________________________________________
b._____________________________________________
2006 Greg Heitkamp
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science
Foundation under Grant No. 0402616.) Any opinions, findings and conclusions
or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National Science Foundation
(NSF).