Appendix F - Glossary

aerodynamic: Designed to move through air with minimal resistance.
aesthetics: A quality dealing with the appearance of an object.
applications software: Software designed to accomplish a specific task, such as desktop publishing or word processing.
ASCII: American Standard Code for Information Interchange;allows computer equipment from different manufacturers to exchange data.
automation: Techniques of self-regulation and self-control for systems that reduce the amount of human supervision required for a machine or process.
backup: An extra copy of a program or information stored on a disk or tape.
baud rate: The speed at which data is transmitted over a communications line; used to transmit data between devices, such as computer-to-computer or computer-to-terminal.
boot: To start a computer or system; to load an operating system into a computer and begin operation.
brainstorming: A stage used in the design and problem-solving process to generate a number and variety of ideas in a noncritical atmosphere.
CAM: Computer-aided manufacturing; the operation of a machine controlled by a host computer.
CD-ROM: Compact Disk Read Only Memory; a device that uses a rigid disk to store information in a form that can be read by a computer.
CO2 powered: Propelling a device with a cylinder of compressed carbon dioxide.
combining: A production process used to join or add materials together in a permanent or temporary fashion (e.g., glue, nails, screws, welding, soldering).
communication process: Conveying a message or idea to someone; in technol ogy education the focus is on the use of visual and electronic media.
computer program: A set of instructions in a language understood by a computer; used to direct the operations of a computer.
CAD or CADD: Computer-Aided Design (and Drafting): a precision-drawing software program that speeds up the design process by making it easier to create and modify draft designs.
conservation: Using energy efficiently; finding alternatives to existing energy forms; improving energy conversion methods (e.g., reducing friction, engine tune-ups).
control: Methods used to regulate a system or device.
control device: Any device that senses, switches, or regulates an operation (e.g., switch, valve, brake).
control system: A system that senses, switches, or regulates an operation.
conversion: A technological process that changes energy from one form to another (e.g., energy is converted into heat during combustion in an engine; rotary motion is converted into reciprocal motion using a crank).
database: A collection of data that is structured and organized into a chosen format; a computer database makes it easy to create, retrieve, and resort data stored electronically.
design brief: A concise problem statement developed by a student or teacher that identifies what the student will do and what the successful solution will achieve.
design portfolio: A record of the development of a project from inception to completion.
design principles: Qualities of balance, layout, measurement, colour, scale, and projection.
design process: A planning and decision-making process that produces a solution.
electricity: A form of energy that flows along a path and can produce heat, light, magnetism, motion, or a chemical change.
electromechanical: A machine process or device that is controlled electrically.
electronics: The branch of physics that deals with the production, activity, and effects of electrons in motion; the branch of engineering that deals with the design and manufacture of devices that control the flow of electrons, such as the microprocessors used in computers; working with small electronic components (e.g., computers, stereos).
energy: The capacity for doing work; types include mechanical (e.g., motion), chemical, electric, thermal, nuclear, and radiant (e.g., light and sound); may be classified as non-renewable (e.g., fossil fuels), or renewable (e.g., biomass, human and animal muscle, wind, solar, geothermal, water).
engineering principles: The method of operation used to plan, build, and manage engines, machines, roads, and structures.
ergonomics: The field of matching technological products to human dimensions, needs, and characteristics.
finishing: A production process by which the appearance or internal structure of a product or material is changed to improve its durability, strength, usefulness, or aesthetics.
flow chart: A pictorial representation of a sequence of events.
forming: A production process by which the shape of a material is changed without adding or removing anything (e.g., reshaping plastic, bending wire).
graphics: Diagrams, pictures, and electronic images and their use to convey a message.
hydraulics: Using fluids to transmit and regulate the forces in a machine or device.
information processing: The conversion of data into information by sorting in useful ways.
information/communication systems: The use of a device or method to collect, process, store, or deliver information using electronic, graphic, photographic, or mechanical means.
input: Data, materials, resources, or instructions entered into (most often) a computer system.
Internet: A global information network linking thousands of smaller computer networks.
kinetic energy: The energy of a mass in motion (e.g., pendulum swinging, spring unwinding).
learning log: A record of activities completed during an assignment.
machine: An assembly of parts used to change the amount, speed, or direction of a force for a useful purpose.
manufactured materials: Materials that do not exist in nature (e.g., steel, fabric).
media: Various forms of communication (e.g., video, paper, film, computer imagery).
modem: A computer device that transmits and receives infor- mation over a telephone line.
monitor: The part of the feedback loop that has to do with observing the output of a system.
multimedia: The combination of text, sound, and video used to present information.
network: A connected system of software and hardware that transmits data.
operating system (OS): Software that allows a computer to function by controlling all its application programs (e.g., DOS, OS2, Macintosh OS, UNIX).
output: The actual results of a system, desired or undesired, expected or unexpected.
parameters: Restrictions affecting the design of a product or system (e.g., size, cost, materials).
pneumatics: Using air or gas pressure to operate mechanical devices.
potential energy: The ability to do work using stored energy (e.g., compressed spring, charged capacitor, gasoline).
production: The process of converting and combining resources to construct, manufacture, or grow something.
program: A sequence of movements, steps, or instructions that a system follows to accomplish a task.
prototype: A model used to test and evaluate a design before final production.
RAM: Random Access Memory; the main working memory of a computer.
ROM: Read Only Memory; a type of computer memory in which information can be accessed, but not stored.
regulating: Varying the flow, amount, and direction of all forms of energy (e.g., human, fluid, mechanical, electrical, heat) in systems.
resources: Components necessary to design, build, and maintain technology (e.g., people, information, materials, tools and machines, energy, capital, time).
robotics: Programmable, multifunctional devices that perform physical tasks.
Rube Goldberg device: A complex device that does a simple task.
safety equipment: Devices used to protect workers (e.g., goggles, gloves, guards, ventilation).
scale: The relative size of a plan, drawing, or model.
sensing: Detecting, interpreting, and monitoring energy with electric, electronic, fluid, and mechanical devices.
sensor: A subsystem used to obtain information or data (e.g., light, temperature, number, movement).
separating: A production process in which a shape is changed by removing something (e.g., etching a printed circuit board, cutting wood).
sequential pictorials plans: A series of images representing steps used to complete a task.
simple machines: Basic devices or mechanical powers on which other machines are based (e.g., lever, wedge, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, screw).
store and retrieve: Compiling information in some form of memory and recovering the data as required (e.g., storing sound and images on video tape and playing it back).
storyboard: A series of images that describe sequenced events in a visual production (e.g., video, film, animation, play); used in the the planning process of these productions.
switching: Any method (e.g., mechanical, electronic) used to turn the flow of energy on and off in a system (e.g., light switch, keyboard).
synthetic materials: Materials created through chemical synthesis (e.g., plastics, fiberglass).
system: A regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a unified whole.
systems and control: The application of devices and processes to manage, sort, control, and organize.
technical drawings: Drawings that contain the detailed information required to produce an object or system (e.g., measurement, scale, material, finishing information).
WHMIS: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems; product safety information issued by the BC Workers' Compensation Board.

Table of Contents

Province of British Columbia
Ministry of Education
MOE Curriculum Branch

Maintained by: Technology Education Coordinator

Revised: February 27, 1996

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