Course Overview

We begin the semester practicing the basic functions of the Pro/Desktop software.   Once everyone was comfortable working at their stations, they had an opportunity to generate a simple 3D model using the drawing tools and some of the other design features.  Upon successful completion, they will advance to more complicated geometric shapes and will learn how to convert their 3D models into engineering drawings.

Engineering The Future introduces students to important concepts about engineering, science and mathematics in the concept of real world engineering jobs.  Students will become familiar with the Engineering Design Process and apply that process to solve real design challenges.

When they begin the class, they will complete the “Paper Tower Project”, the “Paper Truss” and the “Pneumatic Bridge”.  The next team project in our unit on “Forces”, where they will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned about tension, compression, torsion, bending and shear.  Each team will build a “popsicle stick bridge” that will be tested to see how much weight it can support.

After that, our unit on “The Principles of Flight” will have them building a “Tumblewing”, that they will learn to surf on a wave of air.

Our Transportation Technology unit has students planning and building CO2 crash cars, designed to protect an egg during a front-end collision.  They must build their cars according to their own engineering drawing and the specifications provided. Each car must include a passenger restraint system and a crumple zone.  After testing, they will determine the speed and acceleration of their car.

Later in the trimester we will study Manufacturing Technology, where students will be given the opportunity to design and manufacture a small woodworking project.

Each unit will focus on the engineering principles necessary for understanding and successful completion.

Robotics is the science and technology of robots and their design, manufacture and application of AI (Artificial Intelligence). This one-trimester course will explore Robotics as it incorporates science, mathematics, technology and engineering, problem solving, critical thinking, creativity and team building skills.  The course will use hardware, software and mechanical tools to explore the theory, practicality and application of mobile robotic systems.  Students will participate in teams to program their robot to “think” so it can develop a plan to perform a job.

Students gain experience with using RoboLab software as well as using the LEGO kits. The students are actively gaining experience in designing building, operating and programming robotic devices to solve problems.

Engineering the Future introduces students to important concepts about engineering, science and mathematics in the concept of real world engineering jobs. Students will become familiar with the Engineering Design Process and apply that process to solve real design challenges.

To start, students learn about Flight Technology through making Water Rockets. the next unit deals with Fluid Technology and Marine Engineering, where the students will make a  Putt-Putt Boat using a steam engine to power the boat. Lastly students will each create a miniature hovercraft.

Engineering the Future introduces students to important concepts about engineering, science and mathematics in the concept of real world engineering jobs. Students will become familiar with the Engineering Design Process and apply that process to solve real design challenges.

Electricity and communication introduces students to electrical power and they will learn how electricity is generated and distributed to millions of people daily.  Students will explore how electrical systems are integral to communications technology such as the internet, telephones, cell phones, and satellite systems.  Students will learn how to build and design simple circuits and to develop a functional mental model of what is going on inside the wires and components of any electrical circuit. Starting with electricity some projects students will be working on include Vibrobots, Foxhole Radios, and Styrofoam Speakers   all deal with electricity and communication.

They are soon to begin the next Communication part of that course which will focus on digital photography. Students will learn about the functions of a digital camera, and what makes up the composition of a photograph. Students will also learn to use their digital cameras to produce images, which show technical and also conceptual skill.