What is Science?
The basic objective of science is to discover the composition and behavior of the physical world.
For Example: The diagram could represent the strength of different shapes—a physics investigation.
What is Engineering?
The basic objective of engineering is to use scientific principles and methods to produce useful devices and services that serve mankind. In other words, engineering is the application of science, mathematics, and experience to produce “something” or a process that is useful.
For Example: The diagram could represent one the corrugated paper prototypes tested by Englishmen, Healey and Allen. These men identified the need for a stronger paper to line tall hats worn by men. In 1856, they received a patent for the first corrugated or pleated paper.It seems the Chinese invented corrugated paper about two hundred years earlier, and Healey and Allen improved on their invention.
So what is the difference between inventing and engineering—A scientist invented a sticky gooey substance, but saw no value in it. A toy store owner needed something he could sell at Easter. After testing the gooey substance and various other research, he packaged it in plastic shaped eggs–Since this first introduction of Silly Putty in 1950, more than 300 million eggs of Silly Putty have been sold.
No. The store owner did not have an engineering degree, but he used the basic Engineering Method to produce his Silly Putty Eggs. He could be called a production engineer.
Engineering is neither more nor less important than science, just different.
Scientific Method vs. Engineering Method
While engineering projects are part of science fairs, an engineering project is very different from a science fair project. In fact, the method required to develop an engineering fair project is different from that used for developing science fair projects.
The process used for science projects is referred as the “Scientific Method.” A more recent title of this process is the “Inquiry Cycle.”
The only title that I’ve found for the process used to develop engineering projects is the “Engineering Method.”
Below is a comparison between the Scientific Method and The Engineering Method. Another way to compare these two types of projects is via the way each is judged.
Judging Criteria for Science Fair Projects and Engineering Fair Projects.
|
Scientific Method |
Engineering Method |
|
Background Research |
Background Research |
|
Ask a Question |
Identify a need |
|
Express a Hypothesis |
Determine how you will solve the problem. |
|
Design an Experiment |
Prepare a Preliminary Design |
|
Test Hypothesis by Experimenting |
Build and Test a Prototype |
|
Collect and Analyze Data |
Retest and Redesign as Necessary |
|
Draw a Conclusion |
Draw a Conclusion |
|
Present Results (Display) |
Present Results (Display) |