PLTW IED Final Exam Study Guide
2026–2027 – Complete Questions and
Correct Detailed Answers for Engineering
Design and CAD Concepts
How might we create the best possible solution to a problem? -CORRECTANSWER
Engineers try to think "outside the box" in order to solve new problems or find ways to
improve current solutions.
What is the most effective way to generate potential solutions to a problem? How many
alternate solutions should you generate? -CORRECTANSWER Brainstorming with a
group, research and testing possible solutions
What is an engineer? What types of work do engineers do? -CORRECTANSWER
Engineering is the application of mathematics and scientific principles to better or
improve life.An engineer is a person who is trained in and uses technological and
scientific knowledge to solve practical problems. Research, Develop, Design,
Supervise, Manage, Production and Construction,operations,plant management, and
sales
Why Keep an Engineering Notebook? -CORRECTANSWER An engineering notebook
is recognized as a legal document that is used in patent activities to...
Prove the origin of an idea that led to a solution
,Prove when events or ideas occurred
Prove diligence in turning the idea into a solution
Prove when an idea became a working solution ("reduced to practice")
What are the 4 best Practices for the Engineering Notebook? -CORRECTANSWER Be
Neat,
be Accurate,
be Legible,
be Thorough
Explain the concept of proportion. -CORRECTANSWER Paying close attention to the
underlying basic shapes and the relative proportions of various features of the object
will allow you to more accurately reflect the true shapes and proportions of the object in
your sketch
Why would the ability to create realistic sketches make a person a more competent
designer -CORRECTANSWER Representing existing objects and new ideas with
sketches can make the design process more effective and efficient and greatly enhance
the ability of others to understand your ideas.Allows them to communicate their ideas
more clearly.
What is the purpose of sketching your ideas? -CORRECTANSWER Sketches provide a
means through which one can quickly and clearly communicate ideas
, Define and differentiate invention and innovation. -CORRECTANSWER Invention: A
new product, system, or process that has never existed before, created by study and
experimentation.
Innovation: An improvement of an existing technological product, system, or method of
doing something.
Brainstorm -CORRECTANSWER A group technique for solving problems, generating
ideas, stimulating creative thinking, etc. by unrestrained spontaneous participation in
discussion
Constrait -CORRECTANSWER 1. A limit to a design process. Constraints may be such
things as appearance, funding, space, materials, and human capabilities. 2. A limitation
or restriction.
Design -CORRECTANSWER . An iterative decision-making process that produces
plans by which resources are converted into products or systems that meet human
needs and wants or solve problems. 2. A plan or drawing produced to show the look
and function or workings of something before it is built or made. 3. A decorative pattern.
A Design Brief -CORRECTANSWER A written plan that identifies a problem to be
solved, its criteria, and its constraints. The design brief is used to encourage thinking of
all aspects of a problem before attempting a solution.
2026–2027 – Complete Questions and
Correct Detailed Answers for Engineering
Design and CAD Concepts
How might we create the best possible solution to a problem? -CORRECTANSWER
Engineers try to think "outside the box" in order to solve new problems or find ways to
improve current solutions.
What is the most effective way to generate potential solutions to a problem? How many
alternate solutions should you generate? -CORRECTANSWER Brainstorming with a
group, research and testing possible solutions
What is an engineer? What types of work do engineers do? -CORRECTANSWER
Engineering is the application of mathematics and scientific principles to better or
improve life.An engineer is a person who is trained in and uses technological and
scientific knowledge to solve practical problems. Research, Develop, Design,
Supervise, Manage, Production and Construction,operations,plant management, and
sales
Why Keep an Engineering Notebook? -CORRECTANSWER An engineering notebook
is recognized as a legal document that is used in patent activities to...
Prove the origin of an idea that led to a solution
,Prove when events or ideas occurred
Prove diligence in turning the idea into a solution
Prove when an idea became a working solution ("reduced to practice")
What are the 4 best Practices for the Engineering Notebook? -CORRECTANSWER Be
Neat,
be Accurate,
be Legible,
be Thorough
Explain the concept of proportion. -CORRECTANSWER Paying close attention to the
underlying basic shapes and the relative proportions of various features of the object
will allow you to more accurately reflect the true shapes and proportions of the object in
your sketch
Why would the ability to create realistic sketches make a person a more competent
designer -CORRECTANSWER Representing existing objects and new ideas with
sketches can make the design process more effective and efficient and greatly enhance
the ability of others to understand your ideas.Allows them to communicate their ideas
more clearly.
What is the purpose of sketching your ideas? -CORRECTANSWER Sketches provide a
means through which one can quickly and clearly communicate ideas
, Define and differentiate invention and innovation. -CORRECTANSWER Invention: A
new product, system, or process that has never existed before, created by study and
experimentation.
Innovation: An improvement of an existing technological product, system, or method of
doing something.
Brainstorm -CORRECTANSWER A group technique for solving problems, generating
ideas, stimulating creative thinking, etc. by unrestrained spontaneous participation in
discussion
Constrait -CORRECTANSWER 1. A limit to a design process. Constraints may be such
things as appearance, funding, space, materials, and human capabilities. 2. A limitation
or restriction.
Design -CORRECTANSWER . An iterative decision-making process that produces
plans by which resources are converted into products or systems that meet human
needs and wants or solve problems. 2. A plan or drawing produced to show the look
and function or workings of something before it is built or made. 3. A decorative pattern.
A Design Brief -CORRECTANSWER A written plan that identifies a problem to be
solved, its criteria, and its constraints. The design brief is used to encourage thinking of
all aspects of a problem before attempting a solution.
