ENGR 125CS: Technology, Innovation, and Society

Dec. 11 (Wed)

Have a relaxing and enjoyable winter break, and best wishes for a successful 2007!

Course grades for the semester have been posted to the MSU My Info system.

Grade distribution:

A, A-:  24
B,B-,B+:  7
C,C-,C+:  6
D,D-,D+:  1

R.C. Maher

Dec. 8 (Fri)

All teams go to room 1-132 (regular classroom).
15 minute presentation by team:  B

Confidential self/team review forms due at the end of class.

Course evaluation forms completed.

NOTE:  Final WRITTEN REPORTS, with the evaluation forms from December 1 attached, are due by 5PM on Monday, December 11, 2006.  Turn in at Maher office (529 Cobleigh) or at the ECE Department Office (610 Cobleigh).

Dec. 6 (Wed)

Teams B, C, H, I, J, K M:  please go to room 1-132 (regular classroom).
15 minute presentations by teams:  I, K, C

Teams A, D, E, F, G, L:  please go to room 1-153 (classroom southwest across the hall).
15 minute presentations by teams:  A, L, F

Dec. 4 (Mon)

Teams B, C, H, I, J, K M:  please go to room 1-132 (regular classroom).
15 minute presentations by teams:  M, J, H

Teams A, D, E, F, G, L:  please go to room 1-153 (classroom southwest across the hall).
15 minute presentations by teams:  D, G, E

Dec. 1 (Fri)

Final Project Paper peer review in  class.  Attendance is required: part of your individual project grade is based on the peer review.

Each group must bring three copies of your draft report.  Students in groups A-G should go to the regular classroom (Wilson 1-132), and students in groups H-M should go to Wilson 1-153.

Here is a copy of the project report peer review form we will use, and here is a copy of the "project grading rubric" I will use to score the final papers.

Nov. 29 (Wed)

Lecture:  societal dependence upon technology, opportunities and implications.

Activity:  team meetings in class

Nov. 27 (Mon)

Activity:  team meetings in class

Nov. 22 (Wed) and 24 (Fri)

NO CLASS (Thanksgiving Holiday).

Here is some information about the history of Thanksgiving in the U.S.

Nov. 20 (Mon)

Activity:  team meetings in class

Nov. 17 (Fri)

Guest Lecture:  Prof. Tim LeCain (MSU History Dept.), on early beliefs of the public regarding computers and nuclear power.

DUE: preliminary reference list (a hardcopy list of at least six references, three from print media, three from web; one list per group)

Nov. 15 (Wed)

DUE:  Homework Essay #3 at the start of class

Activity #1:  team meetings in class

Activity #2: writing a fact-based paragraph without plagiarism (worksheet).

Assignment: By November 27, please read the following two essays in Winston and Edelbach:

Reading:  Winston and Edelbach, Computers, Robotics, and Information Technology, Why the Future Does Not Need Us, by Bill Joy, pp. 216-233 (Concern that our technology will ultimately lead to our demise).

Reading:  Winston and Edelbach, Computers, Robotics, and Information Technology, Promise and Peril, by Ray Kurzweil, pp. 233-238 (Response to Bill Joys essay).

Nov. 13 (Mon)

Project and Course discussion.

Final project assignment:  team written and oral reports.

Group Project Teams and Topics (updated 11/15/06)

• Group A: Thees, Swenson, Hoyt, Bishop;   MOBILE TELEPHONE

• Group B: Mehta, Newman;    HOME STEREO SYSTEMS

• Group C: Sansaver, Voll, Fiorini;    GPS NAVIGATION FOR AUTOMOBILES

• Group D: Ouellette, Pullen, Phillips;   NUCLEAR POWER GENERATION

• Group E: Tompkins, Hicks, Bowman;   COMPUTER LOCAL AREA NETWORKS (LAN)

• Group F: Liss, Denny, Pechacek;    COMMERCIAL PASSENGER AIRCRAFT

• Group G: Griffing, B.Peterson, Joyce;   HOME VIDEO GAME CONSOLES

• Group H: O'Leary, Pantano, Krohn;   MOBILE TELEPHONE

• Group I: Tyler, Doyle, Kawaoka;   HOME VIDEO GAME CONSOLES

• Group J: Siddiqui, Powell, Fite;    COMMERCIAL PASSENGER AIRCRAFT

• Group K: Judge, Jones, Green;    ARTIFICIAL HEART

• Group L: Gilson, Kessler, Kutter;    AUTOMOBILE AIRBAG SYSTEMS

• Group M: Kovatch, Cable, Rangel;  RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS (RFID)

Nov. 10 (Fri)

No MSU Classes this day:  Veteran's Day Holiday.

Nov. 8 (Wed)

Lecture:  video presentation of human spaceflight history, part 1 (wmv) (with worksheet)

Nov. 6 (Mon)

Mid-semester evaluation and feedback: current course score estimates and grades were distributed in class.  Course/instructor evaluation forms were filled out, too. Here is the results summary (we will discuss in class on 11/13).

Lecture:  Engineering calculations.

Assignment: Homework Essay #3assigned in class.  The due date is Wednesday 15 November at the start of class.

Nov. 3 (Fri)

Guest Lecture:  Prof. Tim LeCain (MSU History Dept.), on the role of the Cold War in spurring aerospace technological developments.

Assignment: By next week, read Chapter 5 (Aluminum Cans) in Petroski.

Reading: Petroski, Chapter 5, Aluminum Cans and Failure, pp. 89-103 (Evolution of the aluminum beverage can).

Nov. 1 (Wed)

Reading quiz and discussion.  Engineering methods activity: "digital image" acquisition.

Oct. 30 (Mon)

Lecture:  video presentation of "Skyscraper" part 4 (wmv) (with worksheet)

William Zeckendorf, Jr. -- retired in 1992, now living in New Mexico.
His sons, Arthur Zeckendorf and William Lie Zeckendorf, now run the Zeckendorf Development Co. in New York City.

David Childs -- still with Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill.
Designed 7 World Trade Center (first building reconstructed at the WTC site), and he is now the principal architect for the Freedom Tower.

Key tenant: Ogilvy & Mather, Worldwide Plaza, 309 W 49th Street, NYC
Key tenant: Cravath, Swaine & Moore, Worldwide Plaza, 825 Eighth Avenue, NYC

Oct. 27 (Fri)

Reading quiz and discussion.

Homework Essay #2 is due at the start of class.

Assignment: By next week, read Chapter 6 (Rachel Carson) in Cullen, and Chapter 8 (Water and Society) in Petroski.

Reading:  Cullen, Chapter 6, Rachel Carson, pp. 85-100 (Environmental awareness; pesticide overuse).

Reading: Petroski, Chapter 8, Water and Society, pp. 141-159 (Water supply and removal, sewers, design problems, reference to Louis Pasteur and Rachel Carson).

Oct. 25 (Wed)

Mars science and engineering video/worksheet.

Oct. 23 (Mon)

Cost-benefit ("utilitarianism") activity:  Three Gorges Dam (in-class group assignment)

Oct. 20 (Fri)

Quiz on classroom discussion topics and the Selinger presentation.

Lecture:  the concept of progress in engineering and social terms.

Assignment: By next week, read the essay by Ian Barbour (Chapter I.9) in the Winston and Edelbach book.

Reading:  Winston and Edelbach, Philosophical Perspectives, Philosophy and Human Values, by Ian Barbour, pp. 112-118 (Utilitarianism, concept of justice, freedom as participation).

Assignment: Homework Essay #2 assigned in class.  The due date will be next Friday (Oct. 27) at the start of class.

Oct. 18 (Wed)

Mid Term Essay is due at the start of class.

Lecture:  video presentation of "Skyscraper" part 3 (wmv) (with worksheet)

Oct. 16 (Mon)

Mid Term Essay peer review (part of your essay grade is based on the peer review).
Bring two copies of your draft essay.  Students with last names beginning with A-K should go to the regular classroom (Wilson 1-132), and students with last names L-Z should go to Wilson 1-153.

Here is a copy of the peer review form we used in class, and here is a copy of the "grading rubric" I will use to score the mid term essay papers.

Oct. 13 (Fri)

Guest Lecture:  Carl Selinger, expert on technology management (www.carlselinger.com)

Assignment:  Mid Term Essay peer review on Monday 10/16/2006--bring two copies of your draft essay.  Please note that on Monday 10/16/06, students with last names beginning with A-K should go to the regular classroom (Wilson 1-132), and students with last names L-Z should go to Wilson 1-153.

Oct. 11 (Wed)

Quiz on reading assignment.

Lecture/activity:  motivation and professionalism in engineering, with example on climate change.

Examples of Homework Essay #1 papers:  ex1   ex2   ex3  

Oct. 9 (Mon)

Discuss E.O. Wilson talk and the essay #1 results.

Lecture:  Continue review of the "Children of Invention" introduction from the Winston and Edelbach book.

Assignment: Read Chapters 4 and 5 of the Cullen book.  Quiz in class on Wednesday.

Reading:  Cullen, Chapter 4, Sir Fredrick G. Banting,, pp. 49-66 (Discoverer of insulin).

Reading:  Cullen, Chapter 5, J. Robert Oppenheimer, pp. 67-84 (Construction of the first nuclear weapon).  Was Oppenheimer using the methods of a scientist, an engineer, or both?  What motivated the Manhattan Project staff?

Oct. 6 (Fri)

NO CLASS this day.  Please use the time to work on your midterm essay, and to catch up on your readings.

Oct. 4 (Wed)

Class will NOT meet at the regular time.  Instead, please go to the Edward Wilson talk, 1:30PM, at the MSU Brick Breeden Field House.

Oct. 2 (Mon)

Lecture:  What motivates engineering innovation? Seeking fame and fortune? To gain the esteem of humanity? Simple curiosity?

Assignment:  The Midterm Essay Assignment was handed out (peer review on 10/16/2006--bring two copies of your draft essay.  Final due date 10/18/2006).

Reminder notice:  On Wednesday, October 4:  class will not meet at the regular time.  Instead, please go to the Edward Wilson talk, 1:30PM, at the Field House.

Assignment: Read Chapter 1 of the Winston book. Be ready to discuss on Monday and the following week.

Reading:  Winston and Edelbach, Introduction, Children of Invention, pp. 1-11 (Scope of Technology, Technological Systems, Technological Revolutions, Technology and Science).

Reading:  Winston and Edelbach, Introduction, Children of Invention, pp. 11-19 (Technology and Ethics, Techno-Optimism versus Techno-Pessimism, Technological Citizenship, Population and Environmental Change).

Sept. 29 (Fri)

Lecture:  video presentation of "Skyscraper" part 2. (Maher back)

Here is a copy of the worksheet handout .

DUE:  Homework Essay #1 (at the start of class)

Sept. 27 (Wed)

Lecture (cont.):  Discussion of Columbia Accident Investigation (guest:  Dr. Richard Wolff)

Sept. 25 (Mon)

Lecture:  Discussion of Columbia Accident Investigation (guest:  Dr. Richard Wolff)

Assignment: Look for recent discussions of the future of the shuttle and the manned space program in general, to be brought to class on Wed.

Advance notice:  On Wednesday, October 4:  class will not meet at the regular time.  Instead, please go to the Edward Wilson talk, 1:30PM, at the Field House.

Sept. 22 (Fri)

Discussion Quiz on reading assignment: Chapter 6 of Petroski (fax machines).

Wrap up of "what" is engineering; prepare for "why" do people engineer.

Assignment: Homework Essay #1 (assigned in class).  The due date will be next Friday (Sept. 29) at thestart of class.

NOTE:  we will be altering the reading assignments slightly compared to the original syllabus.

Reading Assignment for Monday:  Excerpts from the Columbia Accident Investigation:

- Synopsis
- History as a Cause
- Implications for future space flight
- Recommendations
 

Sept. 20 (Wed)

Lecture:  video presentation of "Skyscraper" part 1.

Here is a copy of the worksheet handout .

Due: Patent worksheet (from Monday).

Sept. 18 (Mon)

Patents and intellectual property.  Link to the US Patent and Trademark Office.

U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 8.

Patent worksheet (for patents distributed in class).

Assignment: Read Chapter 6 of the Petroski book. Be ready to discuss on Wednesday and Friday.

Reading: Petroski, Chapter 6, Facsimile and Networks, pp. 104-119 (Facsimile (fax) machine, telephone networks, socio-cultural factors).

Sept. 15 (Fri)

Quiz on reading assignments: Chapter 2 of Petroski (paper clips) and Chapter 7 of Cullen (William Shockley).

Working within constraints: finding the optimum solution to a need while balancing cost, safety, efficiency, availability, etc.

Sept. 13 (Wed)

Discussion of video presentations and the engineering role before, during, and after 9-11.

Here is a copy of the worksheet handout from the Nova WTC broadcast.

Here is a link to the World Trade Center investigation web site produced by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Just for fun, here is a copy of the sheet music for the MSU Fight Song:  "Stand Up and Cheer".  And here is an audio recording of the band music: MP3  Wav WMA.

Sept. 12 (Tues)
7-8PM

SPECIAL EVENT

We will meet as a class to watch the PBS Nova broadcast of "Building on Ground Zero." The broadcast will be shown on the big screen in EPS 103. We will have a brief discussion at the conclusion of the show.

We will consider the relationship between the engineering achievement represented by the construction of the Trade Center towers, the significant cultural symbolism they immediately developed, and the changes in construction standards for future skyscrapers. These issues are all relevant to the 125CS course.

Abstract:
"Following up its Emmy Award-winning documentary, "Why the Towers Fell," NOVA probes the conclusions of the government's engineering investigation into the World Trade Center's collapse on 9/11, with updated analysis of the devastating attack and how subsequent knowledge gained will shape skyscrapers of the future. Yet is it practical or even possible to construct invincible buildings?"

Sept. 11 (Mon)

Working within constraints: safety considerations.

Paper clip experiment.

Assignment: Read Chapter 2 of the Petroski book and Chapter 7 of Cullen. Be ready to discuss on Wednesday and Friday.

Reading: Petroski, Chapter 2, Paper Clips and Design, pp. 8-42 (Material properties, forming wire into clips, function and competition, patents).

Reading:  Cullen, Chapter 7, William Shockley, pp. 33-48 (Transistor Co-Inventor).

Sept. 8 (Fri)

Quiz on reading assignments.  Discussion of readings to date.

Sept. 6 (Wed)

Video presentation:  World Trade Center history.

Assignment: Read Chapter 4 of the Petroski book.  Consider how the development of zipping fasteners follows an engineering process.

Reading: Petroski, Chapter 4, Zippers and Development, pp. 66-88 (Incremental improvement of hookless fasteners, plastic zippers, Velcro, and zip-closed plastic bags).

Sept. 4 (Mon)

No class this day (Labor Day holiday; MSU offices and classrooms closed)

Sept. 1 (Fri)

Quiz on reading assignments.  Discussion of readings.

Visit by Berk Knighton of the NASA sponsored BOREALIS project.  Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 5PM, Room 258 EPS Building.

Here are some photos taken with the ground crew for a BOREALIS mission last summer (June 7, 2006).

Scientific Method:

1. Observation and description of phenomena

2. Formulate a testable hypothesis

3. Make a prediction based on the hypothesis

4. Perform an experiment to test the prediction

5. Evaluate the results: modify hypothesis and/or prediction and/or experiment and/or observation circumstances, then repeat the process

Engineering Process:

1. Identify the problem and/or the need

2. Research the requirements and determine various options and constraints

3. Devise a set of possible solutions

4. Select the best solution based on multiple considerations and constraints

5. Test, implement, evaluate

6. Report the findings and results

Aug. 30 (Wed)

What is the difference between science and engineering? Is this distinction important to society?

NOTE:  if you do not have the course textbooks yet, please go to the bookstore and get on the "special order list."  Otherwise they may not order copies automatically.

Employment information:  "Employed Civilians by Occupation 2003"

Assignment: Read Chapter 3 of the Cullen book.  Think about whether you would consider Marconi to be a scientist or engineer. 

Reading:  Cullen, Chapter 3, Guglielmo Marconi, pp. 33-48 (First transatlantic radio transmission).

Aug. 28 (Mon)

First class meeting at 2:10PM in Wilson Hall 1-132.

Course introduction and overview.

Consideration of how the engineering field (and engineers) are viewed in popular culture.

Assignment: Read Chapters 1 and 2 of the Cullen book.  Think about whether you would consider Pasteur and Curie to be scientists or engineers.  Why do you think so?

Reading:  Cullen, Chapter 1, Louis Pasteur,, pp. 1-18 (Cocredited for the germ theory of disease and developed first vaccines).

Reading:  Cullen, Chapter 2, Marie Curie,, pp. 19-32 (Discovery of the elements Radium and Polonium).

Assignment:  Look for headlines in the newspaper or on the web that have a connection to the engineering field, and bring to class on Wednesday.  Examples:Engineers Worry About New Orleans Levees, Comair Flight Took Off From Wrong Runway, NASA moving Atlantis back to Vehicle Assembly Building.

NOTE:  If you were not able to find the Cullen book in the bookstore, please email me and I will bring photocopies of the first few chapters to class on Wednesday.