Theme: Engineering & Innovation 

“From spark to structure—celebrating brilliant breakthroughs.” 
 

1. Who is known as the “father of modern engineering”? 
   a) Nikola Tesla 
   b) Leonardo da Vinci 
   c) Isambard Kingdom Brunel 
   d) James Watt 
    

2. What does CAD stand for in engineering design? 
   a) Core Analysis Data 
   b) Computer Aided Design 
   c) Composite Assembly Drawing 
   d) Controlled Axis Drafting 
    

3. The Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel, was completed in which decade? 
   a) 1920s 
   b) 1930s 
   c) 1940s 
   d) 1950s 
    

4. Which innovation transformed tunnelling in hard rock and is still widely used today? 
   a) Steam hammer 
   b) Tunnel boring machine 
   c) Blasting fuse 
   d) Cable tool rig 
    

5. What engineering principle does the Archimedes Screw demonstrate? 
   a) Hydraulic lift 
   b) Lever and fulcrum 
   c) Simple machine – inclined plane 
   d) Fluid dynamics 
    

6. What breakthrough material allowed for the rise of skyscrapers in the 20th century? 
   a) Reinforced concrete 
   b) Aluminium alloy 
   c) Timber framing 
   d) Sheet glass 
    

7. The “fail-safe” design principle ensures: 
   a) A machine operates more efficiently 
   b) Systems shut down safely under failure 
   c) Components are cheaper to replace 
   d) The user gets notified before failure 
    

8. What 3D printing technique is most commonly used for engineering prototypes? 
   a) SLA 
   b) FDM 
   c) DLP 
   d) SLS 
    

9. In mining, what innovation significantly improved safety in underground gas detection? 
   a) Carbon filter mask 
   b) Flame safety lamp 
   c) Digital manometer 
   d) Thermal imaging 
    

10. What major innovation did Australian engineers develop for open-pit mining in remote areas? 
    a) Trackless mobile equipment 
    b) Modular camp housing 
    c) Fly-in-fly-out rosters 
    d) Autonomous haul trucks 

 

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✅ Trivia Answers – September: Engineering & Innovation 

1. c) Isambard Kingdom Brunel 

1. b) Computer Aided Design 

1. b) 1930s 

1. b) Tunnel boring machine 

1. d) Fluid dynamics 

1. a) Reinforced concrete 

1. b) Systems shut down safely under failure 

1. b) FDM 

1. b) Flame safety lamp 

1. d) Autonomous haul trucks