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Stuff Every Engineering Scout Should Know: the Study Guide

Practice facts for the Engineering merit badge. Not an official Scouting America credential. Grab a snack: this guide is the friendly version, with the answers explained and a groan-worthy joke waiting at the end of most cards.

Knowing Engineering Scout saves you money, time and the occasional embarrassment.

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Chapter 1: Statics and Forces

What do engineers use prototypes for?

Short answer: To predict how designs will perform

Prototypes, models, and tests help engineers predict performance before full production.

Groan of the day: Prototype now, produce later!

Sources: Engineering

What did Thomas Newcomen build in 1712?

Short answer: The first commercial piston steam engine

Newcomen built the first commercial piston steam engine, helping power the Industrial Revolution.

Groan of the day: Newcomen got steamed up!

Sources: Engineering

What is a Professional Engineer?

Short answer: A licensed engineer

Those licensed to practice engineering may be called Professional Engineer or similar titles.

Groan of the day: That title is professional!

Sources: Engineering

The cheat sheet

The whole guide on one screen. Screenshot it, print it, stick it on the fridge.

  • Engineering combines science and technology to create real devices and structures.
  • Civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical are the classic branches of engineering.
  • Engineers apply math and science to find new solutions or improve existing ones.
  • Engineers add a safety factor so designs are less likely to fail unexpectedly.
  • Forensic engineering studies failed products to find the cause and prevent repeats.
  • Computer-aided design makes 3D models, 2D drawings, and schematics of designs.
  • Prototypes, models, and tests help engineers predict performance before full production.
  • Engineering derives from the Latin ingenium, meaning clever invention.
  • Imhotep probably designed and supervised the Step Pyramid at Saqqara.
  • The Greek device required knowledge of differential or epicyclic gearing.
  • Smeaton used hydraulic lime, a mortar that sets under water, in the Eddystone Lighthouse.
  • Newcomen built the first commercial piston steam engine, helping power the Industrial Revolution.

Pop quiz

Think of your answer first, then peek.

  1. What do engineers use to turn ideas into reality?
    • Science and technology
    • Only money
    • Only art supplies
    Show the answer

    Science and technology. Engineering combines science and technology to create real devices and structures.

  2. What did John Smeaton pioneer in lighthouse building?
    • Glass walls
    • Hydraulic lime mortar
    • Wooden nails
    Show the answer

    Hydraulic lime mortar. Smeaton used hydraulic lime, a mortar that sets under water, in the Eddystone Lighthouse.

  3. What did the wheel and axle mechanism first appear with?
    • The airplane in France
    • The computer in America
    • The wheel in Mesopotamia
    Show the answer

    The wheel in Mesopotamia. The wheel and wheel and axle mechanism were invented in Mesopotamia in the 5th millennium BC.

  4. What does aerospace engineering include that aeronautical does not?
    • Spacecraft design
    • Bridge design
    • Food design
    Show the answer

    Spacecraft design. Aerospace engineering expands aeronautical engineering to include spacecraft design.

  5. What does the word engineer originally refer to?
    • A painter
    • A constructor of military engines
    • A farmer
    Show the answer

    A constructor of military engines. An engine'er was literally one who builds or operates a siege engine.

Now make it stick

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