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Principles of Engineering

What is engineering and what do engineers do? How do teams of engineers work together to solve complex problems? How does engineering impact society, in both beneficial and detrimental ways? Principles of Engineering introduces students to the world of engineering, its fundamental problem-solving processes, and its profound impact on society and the environment.

This course is designed to provide students with an introductory understanding of the engineering profession, its history, its diverse disciplines, and its evolving role in shaping the future. Students will explore topics that include the societal and environmental impacts of engineering, the connections between engineering and the fields of art, writing, science and mathematics, the engineering design process, the tools and techniques used by engineers, the evolution of engineering practices, and the future trends trends and challenges faced by 21st century engineers as they work to improve the planet. The engineering design process is a primary focus of the course, where students will recognize that engineering is an iterative process involving problem identification, research, concept development, prototype testing, and refinement. Students will engage in engineering design activities where they create, build and test their designs using easily accessible materials.

This semester-long engineering course will engage students through hands-on, student-centered activities that include design activities and a culminating design challenge, videos, discussions, group activities and virtual simulations. Students will complete a weekly summative assignment that is modeled after an engineering design journal.

In this Standard-level course, students are expected to invest approximately 6 hours per week on their coursework.

Acknowledgements

  • Algebra skills (formula solving, substitution, and evaluation,) basic geometry knowledge (shapes, areas, visualization of cross-sections)
  • This course contains an end-of-course proctored exam. Instructions for students to identify an appropriate adult proctor are included in the course lessons.

Course Objectives

Course Essential Questions:

  • What is the impact of engineering on society?
  • What is the process engineering teams follow to find solutions to problems?
  • How have engineering practices and the engineering profession evolved over time?

Course Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the process that engineers use to solve problems and recognize the iterative nature of the process.
  • Apply the steps of the engineering design process to design and evaluate solutions to problems.
  • Identify some of the tools and techniques that engineers use to design and develop products and processes.
  • Describe the roles and responsibilities of engineers in various disciplines and recognize the diverse fields in which engineers apply their expertise.
  • Assess the impacts of engineering (both beneficial and detrimental) on society and the environment.
  • Identify future trends in engineering while understanding the key challenges engineers will encounter in the 21st century.

Additional Requirements

Students will need the following materials to successfully complete this course:

  • recyclables materials (cardboard, plastic, foam, cans)
  • straws
  • scotch tape
  • masking tape
  • string
  • glue
  • paper
  • 8 in. x 11 in. cardstock
  • popsicle sticks
  • 0.7mm mechanical pencil
  • ruler
  • tape measure
  • scissors
  • a sponge
  • tools (screwdriver, wrench, etc.)
  • play doh or clay.
  • Students will need to have something they can take apart to examine such as a toy, mechanical pen, simple appliance, office supply (stapler, hole punch), or similar. These objects do not need to function as intended prior to disassembly and may not function afterwards.