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Relation Between Arts, Mathematics, Science, Technology and Engineering STEAM Pyramid

The document compares the evolution of engineering from prehistoric times to the present, highlighting advancements in technology, knowledge dissemination, project complexity, and ethical considerations. It also discusses the origins and milestones of aerospace engineering, detailing key figures and events that shaped the field. Additionally, the STEAM Pyramid is introduced, illustrating the interconnectedness of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

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Ronit Mukherjee
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
23 views5 pages

Relation Between Arts, Mathematics, Science, Technology and Engineering STEAM Pyramid

The document compares the evolution of engineering from prehistoric times to the present, highlighting advancements in technology, knowledge dissemination, project complexity, and ethical considerations. It also discusses the origins and milestones of aerospace engineering, detailing key figures and events that shaped the field. Additionally, the STEAM Pyramid is introduced, illustrating the interconnectedness of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Uploaded by

Ronit Mukherjee
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INTRODUCTION

Comparing prehistoric, medieval, and present engineering provides insight into the evolution of
human technological capabilities and the development of engineering principles over time. Here are
some key comparisons:

1. Technological Advancements:
Prehistoric: Prehistoric engineering primarily involved simple tools and techniques for survival,
such as stone tools, fire, and basic shelters. Early humans utilized natural materials and adapted to
their environments.
Medieval: Medieval engineering saw advancements in construction techniques, including the use of
stone and mortar for building structures such as castles, cathedrals, and bridges. Medieval engineers
developed rudimentary mechanical devices like water wheels and windmills.
Present: Present engineering encompasses a wide range of sophisticated technologies and
disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, and biomedical engineering. Modern
engineers leverage advanced materials, computer-aided design (CAD), simulation software, and
robotics to design and build complex infrastructure, machinery, and systems.

2. Knowledge and Education:


Prehistoric: Prehistoric engineering knowledge was passed down through oral tradition and
practical experience. Skills were learned through observation, trial and error, and apprenticeship
within the community.
Medieval: Medieval engineering knowledge was often confined to specialized guilds or religious
institutions. Engineers learned through apprenticeship and practical experience, supplemented by
theoretical knowledge from scholars and texts.
Present: Present engineering education involves formal academic programs at universities and
technical institutions. Students study mathematics, physics, and specialized engineering disciplines,
gaining theoretical knowledge and practical skills through coursework, research, and internships.

3. Scope and Complexity of Projects:


Prehistoric: Prehistoric engineering projects were limited in scale and complexity, focusing on basic
survival needs such as food, shelter, and protection. Examples include tools for hunting and
gathering, simple shelters, and fire-making techniques.
Medieval: Medieval engineering projects expanded in scope and complexity, encompassing large-
scale construction projects, infrastructure development, and military fortifications. Notable
examples include the construction of cathedrals, castles, aqueducts, and city walls.
Present: Present engineering projects encompass a vast array of applications, from infrastructure
and transportation systems to telecommunications, healthcare, and space exploration. Projects range
from skyscrapers, bridges, and highways to computer networks, renewable energy systems, and
spacecraft.

4. Ethical and Environmental Considerations:


Prehistoric: Prehistoric engineering had minimal impact on the environment, as early humans lived
in harmony with nature and utilized natural resources sustainably.
Medieval: Medieval engineering projects often had significant environmental impacts, such as
deforestation for timber, quarrying for stone, and alterations to waterways for irrigation and
transportation.
Present: Present engineering practices increasingly prioritize sustainability, environmental
conservation, and ethical considerations. Engineers seek to minimize ecological footprints, reduce
pollution, and mitigate the impacts of infrastructure development on ecosystems and communities.
Overall, while prehistoric, medieval, and present engineering share common principles of problem-
solving and innovation, they differ in terms of technological advancements, knowledge
dissemination, project scope, and ethical considerations, reflecting the evolving needs and
capabilities of human societies over time.
Origins and Early Developments:

• Early Experimentation (18th-19th Centuries): The foundation of aerospace engineering


lies in early attempts to understand flight and create flying machines. This period saw the
first hot-air balloons and the initial study of aerodynamics.
• Hot-Air Balloons (1783): The Montgolfier brothers' invention of the hot-air balloon marked
a significant milestone, achieving the first manned flight. This demonstrated the principle of
buoyancy and ignited further interest in flight.
• Aerodynamics: The scientific study of how air moves around objects, known as
aerodynamics, emerged as a crucial field. Understanding lift, drag, and other aerodynamic
forces became essential for designing effective flying machines.
• Key Figures:
o Sir George Cayley: Often called the "father of aeronautics," Cayley identified and
separated the forces of lift and drag, laying the groundwork for modern aircraft
design.
o Leonardo da Vinci: Centuries before powered flight, da Vinci sketched various
flying machines, including the ornithopter (a flapping-wing aircraft) and the aerial
screw (a precursor to the helicopter). While these designs were not practically
realized at the time, they demonstrated visionary thinking about flight.

Major Milestones:

• Wright Brothers (1903): Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first sustained,
controlled, powered flight of a heavier-than-air machine at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
This pivotal moment ushered in the age of aviation.
• World Wars I and II: These global conflicts dramatically accelerated the development of
aircraft technology. The need for faster, more maneuverable, and more heavily armed
aircraft led to rapid advancements in engine design, aerodynamics, and materials.
• Sputnik I (1957): The Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik I, the first artificial satellite,
marked the beginning of the Space Age. This event expanded the scope of engineering
beyond Earth's atmosphere into space.
• Jet Aircraft (1944): The introduction of jet propulsion revolutionized aviation. The
Messerschmitt Me 262, a German fighter jet, was the first operational jet-powered aircraft.
Jet engines allowed for significantly higher speeds and altitudes compared to propeller-
driven aircraft.

The Term "Aerospace Engineering":

• Formal Definition (1958): As technology advanced and the exploration of space began, the
term "aerospace engineering" was coined in 1958. It encompassed the design, development,
and study of vehicles operating both within Earth's atmosphere (aeronautics) and in outer
space (astronautics).

In summary, aerospace engineering has evolved from early experiments with balloons and gliders to
the sophisticated design of modern aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites. Key figures, technological
advancements, and world events have shaped the field, leading to its current state as a complex and
vital engineering discipline.
STEAM PYRAMID:

Stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

◦ The STEAM Pyramid is like a building with five floors. At the very bottom, you have
"Science," which is about understanding how things work in the world, like why the sky is
blue or how plants grow.

◦ On top of that, there's "Technology," which is like using what we've learned in
science to create useful things. It's how we make smartphones, cars, and computers work.

◦ Above that, we have "Engineering," which is all about designing and building stuff.
Engineers use science and technology to create things like bridges, buildings, and even
spaceships.

◦ Then, there's "Arts," which includes things like painting, music, and writing. Even
though it might seem different from science and technology, art can be inspired by them
and can also inspire new ideas.

Finally, at the very top, we have "Mathematics." This is like the language of science and
engineering. It helps us measure things, solve problems, and make sense of the

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