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Student Name: ________________________

Unit 3: Systems

Lesson 3: Reverse Engineering

File 3.3.3: Reverse Engineering Worksheet

Below is a list of the steps in the reverse engineering process. Document your work as you
reverse engineer the product.

Prediction
What is the purpose of this product? The Purpose for this Product is to provide a visual for
entertainment to others.
How does it work? You turn it on and gives you many things you can do with
entertainment.
What market was it designed to appeal to? It can appeal to many ages from a toddler to a
full grown adult.
List some of the design objectives for the product.
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List some of the constraints that may have influenced the design.
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2012 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association

Foundations of
Technology, Third Edition/
Technology, Engineering, and Design

2
Observation (before you take it apart)
How do you think it works?
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How does it meet design objectives (overall)?
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Why is it designed the way it is?
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Disassemble
How does it work?
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How is it made?
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2012 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
Foundations of
Technology, Third Edition/
Technology, Engineering, and Design

Part Name

Quantity

Material

Function

Overall
Dimensions

Core
Technology

Any surprises?
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Analyze
Carefully examine and analyze subsystems (i.e. structural, mechanical, and electrical)
and develop annotated sketches that include measurements and notes on components,
system design, safety, and controls. (Attach sketches to this sheet.)
Test
Carefully reassemble the product.
Operate the device and record observations about its performance in terms of
functionality (operational and ergonomic) and projected durability.
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Documentation
Design (functionality, form (geometry), and materials)
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List the major flaws and major successes of the product.
2012 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
Foundations of
Technology, Third Edition/
Technology, Engineering, and Design

4
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Identify any refinements that might enhance the products usefulness. Consider material
choice, manufacturing methods, safety, durability, usability.
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2012 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association

Foundations of
Technology, Third Edition/
Technology, Engineering, and Design

5
The following rubric will be used to assess your
Category
Below Target
The student makes
an unreasonable
Prediction
prediction concerning
how the product
should operate.
The student makes
unreasonable
observations
Observation
concerning how the
product was
designed.
The student
disassembles the
Disassembly
product and records
how some of the
parts work.
The student sketches
and records
information about
Analysis
some of the parts,
their sizes, and how
they are designed
and work.
The student
reassembles the
product and records
Testing
some observations
concerning
performance.
The student
assembles a
notebook containing
some of the
documentation from
the procedures
Documentation
above.

extension activity:
At Target
The student makes a
reasonable prediction
concerning how the
product should
operate.
The student makes
reasonable
observations
concerning how the
product was
designed.
The student
disassembles the
product and records
how many of the
parts work.
The student sketches
and records
information about
most of the parts,
their sizes, and how
they are designed
and work.
The student
reassembles the
product and records
observations
concerning
performance.
The student
assembles a
notebook containing
all the
documentation from
the procedures
above.

Above Target
The student makes
accurate predictions
concerning how the
product should
operate.
The student makes
accurate
observations
concerning how the
product was
designed.
The student
disassembles the
product and records
how all of the parts
work.
The student sketches
and records
information about all
of the parts, their
sizes, and how they
are designed and
work.
The student expertly
reassembles the
product and records
detailed observations
concerning
performance.
The student
assembles a
notebook containing
all the
documentation from
the procedures
above. Additionally,
the student includes
schematics, lists, and
recommendations for
refinements and
upgrades.

2012 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association

Foundations of
Technology, Third Edition/
Technology, Engineering, and Design