Science and engineering have different objectives. Science tries to understand and explain phenomenon, which are objects or situations that can be observed. Engineering tries to solve problems.
Science begins with a question, like “What is in the soil on Mars?”
Engineering begins with a need or desire that can be met by technology, like “I need to grow potatoes on Mars.”
Scientists and engineers use many of the same tools, but in different ways for different reasons:
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Engineers: |
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Carry out carefully planned investigations.
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Engage in a standard design process
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Use math to represent things and relationships between things.
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Use math to represent things and relationships between things.
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Identify variables to measure and methods to record them.
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Identify constraints and clarify how to measure success.
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Collect and analyze data to understand what is happening or has happened.
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Collect and analyze data to inform design decisions.
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Use reason and debate to identify strengths and weaknesses in an explanation for something.
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Use reason and debate to find the best solution to a problem.
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Use models and simulations to help develop and share explanations of phenomenon.
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Use models and simulations to analyze systems, identify potential problems, and test possible solutions.
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Need good communication skills to learn about and share findings.
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Need good communication skills to learn about and promote new or improved technologies.
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Science creates theories that explain features of the world and universe.
Engineering creates technologies that solve problems or meet desires.
Read what engineers had to say when asked if engineers are the same as scientists in the featured question "Why do we need engineers?"