Activity 1.1.

1 History of Manufacturing
Introduction
Everywhere you look, you see objects that have been manufactured. What exactly is
manufacturing? How are objects created? The cup you drank out of yesterday went
through a process to become a cup. There is no iPod tree from which we can
harvest the fruit; yet today, millions of these devices are in pockets and strapped to
wrists everywhere.

Manufacturing has changed throughout history. How has it changed, and who
affected these changes? How does this affect you?

In this activity students will learn about the history of manufacturing and how it has
progressed. You will be asked to apply your knowledge to your own life and make
some comparisons.

Equipment
 History of Manufacturing presentation
 Course binder

Procedure
1. As your teacher delivers the presentation on History of Manufacturing, take
notes. Use the questions below to guide you.
a. Why is there a need for manufacturing? Put another way, why should you
care about manufacturing?
b. How were things made prior to the 19th century?
c. Eli Whitney is most famous for his invention of the cotton gin. What was
his greatest contribution to manufacturing?
d. What contribution did Henry Ford make to the manufacturing industry?
e. Who was Kiichiro Toyoda, and what contributions were made by his
company?
f. For what is CIM an acronym?
g. Kaizen is a Japanese word meaning “good change”. How is it applied to
the manufacturing process?
h. What does the abbreviation JIT stand for? Describe this procedure.
i. What is lean manufacturing?
j. What is the core philosophy of lean manufacturing?

© 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing Activity 1.1.1 History of Manufacturing – Page 1
Conclusion
1. What is an advantage to relying on artisans for manufacturing products? What is
a disadvantage?
2. Name three items that you use that incorporate interchangeable parts.
3. What is an advantage to the Kaizen philosophy? What is a disadvantage?

© 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing Activity 1.1.1 History of Manufacturing – Page 2