Modular design

High school (ages 12+)
Making & Design

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/modular-design

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the core principle?System subdivision into independently developable, replaceable, and interchangeable modules
2. What is the enabling factor?Well-defined interfaces that govern module interaction and interoperability
3. Why did people start using modular design a long time ago?It began during the Industrial Revolution when Eli Whitney made interchangeable parts for muskets, which made it easier to build and fix things quickly.
4. How does modular design help computers and electronics?In electronics, modular design lets makers put together standard parts like printed circuit boards, and in software it lets programmers write separate pieces that can be updated or replaced easily.

Abstraction: Hiding complex internal details to expose only essential features and functionalities.
Loose Coupling: Minimizing dependencies between system components to enhance flexibility and maintainability.
Interoperability: The capability of different systems or components to exchange information and use that information.
Microservices Architecture: An architectural style that structures an application as a collection of small, independent services.