1. Hello Family Members!
With our program Science Fusion, we are studying the design process from
the point of view of engineering and technology. We are also exploring how
technology improves our lives and how engineering can be used to solve
problems. Our first unit of study focuses on these Big Ideas and Essential
Questions.
Unit 2 The Engineering Process
Big Idea (a broad statement about the science topic we are studying)
Technology is all around us. Engineers apply their knowledge of science
to design solutions to practical problems.
Vocabulary
engineering
technology
prototype
Essential Questions (for exploring the Big Idea)
What is the design process?
criteria
How can you design a solution to a problem?
How does technology improve our lives?
To stay up-to-date with our progress, ask about what’s happening in science
class often. Talk about and use the unit’s vocabulary words whenever you
can.
To reinforce what we’re doing, try this activity with your child.
Your child is learning that engineers use science to design technology that solves problems. See for
yourselves how the process works.
With your child, pick a technology to explore. Computers, cell phones, and bar codes are
possibilities.
First, talk about how the technology has affected people’s lives.
Follow up with print and digital research to find out how the technology was developed.
For example, if you are interested in the development of the Internet, the National Science
Foundation has an engaging site on this topic: http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/nsf-net/.
The site also has a search function that leads to interesting pages on the development of other
technologies.
Share what you’ve learned with the rest of the family!

2. Go Digital!
There are also many exciting online resources available for Science Fusion,
including Virtual Labs, Digital Lessons, Vocabulary Cards, and an
Interactive Glossary.
I hope you and your child will take advantage of these resources.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Gladimar de Jesús