Students investigate how technological systems work; identify the parts of real-world systems in a variety of technical fields; and design, build, and evaluate systems through class projects. By designing and building systems and assessing their impacts, students gain insight into how to approach the problems and opportunities of a technological world. The course includes activities where students use the engineering problem-solving process and design-software to develop solutions and apply industrial process in creating multi-part projects. An example is the C02 Drag Racer Project, where students design sketching and AutoCAD; drill, cut, sand, and finishing models in the materials processing lab; and then perform speed and wind tunnel analyses.
Students will:
Understand what systems are and be able to identify their parts and sub-systems in various fields of technology such as construction, transportation, communication, and electronics.
Employ the engineering problem-solving processes in finding solutions to simulated challenges.
Define a system as a group of interrelated components that collectively achieve a desired result.
Study and build technological systems to learn about input, process, output, and feedback.
Develop an understanding of the roles of troubleshooting, research and development, invention and innovation, and experimentation in problemsolving.
Design and construct solutions to engineering challenges associated with structures, transportation vehicles, graphic design, 3D modeling, robotics, or other relevant technologies.
Practice teamwork and collaboration in solving problems and building prototypes.
Operate the tools, machines, and equipment of the production laboratory correctly and safely.
Investigate, assess, and evaluate alternative solutions with the goal of selecting the best idea.
Communicate ideas through sketches, multi- view drawings, and Computer Aided-Design.