Understanding the Scientific Method and Engineering Design Process

What is the primary goal of the scientific method?

• To understand the natural world

• To build a new product

• To design a new machine

• To create a business plan

In the scientific method, what is the purpose of making a hypothesis?

• To build a prototype

• To conduct background research

• To guess the outcome of an experiment

• To define the problem

What is the first step in the engineering design process?

• Making a hypothesis

• Defining the problem

• Conducting an experiment

• Analyzing data

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for a bird feeder in the engineering design process?

• Inexpensive

• Attracts the most birds

• Safe for birds

• Weatherproof

What is the main difference between the scientific method and the engineering design process?

• One is used for business, the other for science

• One involves building, the other involves understanding

• Both involve building prototypes

• Both involve making hypotheses

What is the purpose of iteration in the engineering design process?

• To finalize the first design

• To conduct background research

• To make a hypothesis

• To improve and refine the design

How do the scientific method and engineering design process complement each other in the bird watching project?

• They both lead to building a bird feeder

• They both help understand bird behavior

• They both involve making a hypothesis

• One helps understand bird food preferences, the other helps build a feeder

When should you use the scientific method according to the guidelines?

• When you want to create a business plan

• When you want to improve a product

• When you want to understand why something happens

• When you want to build something new

What question should you ask to decide if the engineering design process is appropriate?

• Why does this happen?

• What would happen if?

• Can I build something that?

• How does this work?

What is the final step in both the scientific method and engineering design process?

• Making a hypothesis

• Communicating findings

• Conducting an experiment

• Building a prototype