Engineering Performance Matrix
Information Gathering is the process of searching for the knowledge necessary to develop an informed resolution to a design problem. This process includes (a) identifying the specific areas to be researched/investigated, (b) collecting and synthesizing data from multiple sources, and (c) assessing the quality of the information available. This core concept is important to the practice of Engineering Design because once a design problem has been defined, engineers must decide what information they need to acquire as they work through the iterative stages of the design process to develop a design solution.
Performance Goal for High School Learners
I can successfully collect, evaluate, and synthesize data and knowledge from a variety of sources to inform my design process.
RESEARCH & INVESTIGATIONS
I can use provided background information to inform my design.
I can identify what information is needed to inform my design, and gather the information from various sources, such as experts, online, technical reports, or previous designs.
I can evaluate and compile the information from various sources, such as experts, online, technical reports, or previous designs.
DATA COLLECTION & ORGANIZATION METHODS
I can collect existing data and organize it into a data table.
I can analyze the data collected by a research experiment and summarize it into a data table, with descriptive statistics and basic graphs.
I can conduct investigations (and simulations) to collect data and then organize the data to visualize its trends and patterns.
INFORMATION QUALITY ASSESSMENT
I can identify and explain criteria for valid and reliable resources.
I can evaluate provided or collected information on the type of publication and credibility of its source.
I can evaluate provided or collected information on multiple criteria in order to determine if it is valid and reliable (e.g. intended audience, publication type or source, objectivity).