This virtual course introduces students to the fundamentals of engineering, design thinking, and problem-solving through interactive digital projects and simulations.
This virtual course introduces students to the fundamentals of engineering, design thinking, and problem-solving through interactive digital projects and simulations. Students will explore how engineers identify problems, establish requirements and constraints, develop potential solutions, create models, test designs, analyze results, and improve their work through iteration. Rather than relying on physical building materials, students will use Chromebook-friendly engineering, CAD, circuit, and simulation tools to design and test solutions in a virtual environment. Throughout the course, students can explore several major engineering disciplines, including mechanical, civil, structural, electrical, computer, aerospace, environmental, biomedical, and industrial engineering. Projects can challenge students to design structures, develop products, simulate circuits, investigate forces and motion, and balance considerations such as cost, safety, efficiency, sustainability, and functionality. Career exploration is incorporated throughout the program, allowing students to investigate what different engineers do, the problems they solve, the technologies they use, and the education, skills, and career pathways associated with different engineering fields. The course emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, mathematics and science applications, digital design, and the iterative nature of the engineering process. This course is designed to be completed virtually and does not require physical engineering kits or construction materials.
The final project can include: An Engineering Design Challenge – A student-created solution to a defined problem demonstrating the engineering design process from initial concept through testing and redesign. A Digital Engineering Prototype – A CAD model, structure, circuit, product, or other virtual prototype developed and tested using course technology. An Engineering Design Portfolio – A collection of sketches, models, simulations, test results, design revisions, and reflections documenting the student's engineering process. An Engineering Career Exploration Project – A presentation examining an engineering discipline, including common projects, required skills, education pathways, technologies, and career opportunities. A Final Engineering Presentation – A presentation in which students explain their problem, proposed solution, design decisions, testing results, failures or limitations, and improvements.
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