University City High School
Engineering Pathway
Design · Create · Innovate
Classes Offered
NOTE- This page is under construction and is being updated-10-24-25
Introduction to Engineering Design
Students start by exploring the many fields of engineering then dive into Engineering Design. They will work
individually and as members of collaborative teams to solve problems, using skills from math, science, 3D modeling software. They will explore fabrication with 3D printing, laser cutting, and shop tools. Students will learn how to document their ideas in engineering notebooks, technical drawings, and professional presentations. The year culminates with the design and fabrication of a mechanism with moving parts and artistic creations designed for the 3D printers, laser cutter, or shop tools. (See Example Project) Students learn to produce 3D mechanized CAD models before bringing their ideas to life with manufacture. CAD Certification and College Credit may be an option.
Principles of Engineering
The second course introduces several new skillsets valuable to anyone who wants to design real structures and electromechanical devices. The course begins with a focus on mechanical principles like mechanical advantage, efficiency, and the manipulation of machine speed and power with gears. This discussion includes learning about force, movement, linear and rotational energy. After defining energy and power in engineering terms, students explore electrical energy and electrical motors, with the goal of maximizing motor power and efficiency. This learning is applied next with an introduction to VEX robotics, coding, and powering smart robots with sensors and Wi Fi controls. Students explore concepts related to material strength and structure stability using concepts from physics, and trigonometry. Students will use a laser cutter to create and build a truss bridge. The class will involve teamwork during the projects and individual efforts theory. This course offers a test for college credit.
Engineering Design & Development
The final year of the pathway culminates with an exploration of the design process. Students will work in small teams to solve a real world problem of their own choosing, or a project selected by the teacher. In previous years students have attempted a variety of solutions, including, but not limited to automatic fish feeders, passion fruit filter systems, safer surfboard blades, and Wi Fi controlled Nerf-Dart Launching Robots. This year most students are designing NerfBots; one team is bravely building an AI powered chessboard that you can play against.
For the Nerbot Project, students are taught several new skills related to projectile motion physics, use of microcontrollers, motors, and power supplies, and more, to prepare for the project. With these skills mastered, the students are ready to develop a prototype concept, a then a project schedule to design, build, test, and present their robot. The past two years our bots have been highlighted in films documenting the school district's engineering showcase.
About UCE
The mission of the University City High Engineering (UCE) pathway is to prepare students for success beyond high school by instilling in them the leadership and critical thinking skills that will help them solve complex, real world problems. By applying principles of math, science and engineering, students learn how to work in diverse and collaborative teams in order to design creative solutions to these challenges.
Get Involved in
Engineering/ Tech Clubs!
Dr. Scott is current the faculty advisor for : Engineering the Future,3D printing and Rockety, Fusion Tech, Robotics, Science Olympiad, UCHS Car Club
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
San Diego Unified School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying by reason of the following actual or perceived characteristics: age, ancestry, color, mental or physical disability, ethnicity, ethnic group identification, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, immigration status, marital or parental status, medical condition, nationality, national origin, actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, or on the basis of a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Students who violate this policy may be subject to discipline, up to and including expulsion, in accordance with district policy, administrative procedure and state law.
Employees who violate this policy shall be subject to discipline up to an including dismissal. Any disciplinary action shall be in accordance with applicable federal, state and/or collective bargaining agreements.
For more information contact:
Lynn A. Ryan
Title IX Coordinator &
Uniform Complaint Compliance Officer
San Diego Unified School District
4100 Normal Street, Room 2129
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 725-7225
lryan@sandi.net