Chapter 2: Technology and the Design Process Review

Technology: the use of

science knowledge to
invent tools and new ways
of doing things.

Wedge: a simple machine made

from two slanted sides that end
in a sharp edge. A wedge cuts
food or wood as it moves
through it.

Lever: a stiff bar that rests

on a support. It is used to
life and move things. When
you push down on one
end, the other end lifts up.

Prototype: the first

working product that uses
a design. The first model an
designer makes.

Wheel and Axle: a round

object attached to a post
called an axle. Turning the
wheel causes the axle to
turn.

Work: the use of force to

move an object across a
distance. You do work
when you pedal a bike or
kick a soccer ball.

Inclined Plane: also called a

ramp. It connects a lower level to
a higher level to help you move
things over a long distance.

Vocabulary
Words

Design Process: A step by

step method used to solve
or find an answer to a
problem.

Research: To look for

facts about something.

Screw: an inclined plane

wrapped around a center
post. They are used to hold
things together.

Pulley: These simple machines

make work easier in two ways;
they can lessen the amount of
force (or work) needed to
move something and they can
change the direction of the
force.

Summary of Lesson 1: What is Technology?

o Technology helps people solve problems and improve their lives.
o Scientific discoveries are made by scientists. Engineers then use this new knowledge to design and
make new technologies to make peoples lives better. For example; when scientists learned about
viruses and bacteria causing people to be sick, they invented vaccines.
o Can you name two technologies and how they changed peoples lives? The answer is on page 52 and
53.
o How do you use computer technology in your life? Page 53.

Summary of Lesson 2: What is a machine?

Main Idea
Work is the use of force to move an object across a
distance.

Supporting Detail
You do work when you move
something.

Supporting Detail
Moving a rock or a soccer ball or a
book is work.

Supporting Detail
Solving a math problem is not
work

o Simple machines have just one or two parts but they make a big difference to how much work people do. There are
six kinds; (please see page 56 -57 for pictures)
1. Wheel and Axle
2. Wedge
3. Lever
4. Inclined Plane
5. Screw
6. Pulley
o Complex machines are made of different simple machines that work together. Examples of common complex
machines are bikes, can openers and scissors.
o Why are simple machines useful? Check page 59 for the answer
Lesson 3: The Design Process
o When people make or design something new, they follow the steps of the design process.
Step 1: Identify the Problem
Step 2: Do Research
Step 3: Develop Possible Solutions
Step 4: Choose One Solution
Step 5: Design and Construct/Build a Prototype
Step 6: Test the Prototype
Step 7: Communicate the Results
Step 8: Evaluate and Redesign

o Please look at your answers to the questions on page 65 to help you think about this section and the chapter
review on