Introduction to Engineering Design: Year 1
About
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED), is the first-year course of engineering offered at UCHS through Project Lead The Way (PLTW). In IED, students learn the basics of engineering and STEAM principles, and will be able to apply and expand their knowledge throughout the year with hands-on projects. Students work together to complete these structured and open-ended projects, developing leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and technical skills.
What we do
IED utilizes the engineering design process to solve problems, incorporating math and science standards as well as artistic elements. Many projects have room for individual creative freedom in the design and completion. This allows students to be innovative in using the 3-D modeling software Autodesk Fusion 360 to produce physical 3-D printed prototypes. The shop has 8 working 3D printers, each with its own special capabilities and features. Students learn to use these through assigned and personally driven projects.
Students can also learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator, primarily for the purpose of using the laser cutter.
Hands-on Experience
Room To Explore
Students who can't get enough engineering are encouraged to pursue individual projects of their own choosing. The makerspace is open during lunch, before school, and after school for students with excellent citizenship who are eager to design, build, and expand their skills.
Students get the chance to utilize the workshop to complete their projects after learning shop safety procedures. Most projects are hands-on with real-life engineering tools such as 3D printers, drill presses, band saws, and laser cutters. Students will learn how to safely operate each machine, and how to use them to best execute their project idea.
Learning is fun!
The instructor has designed and borrowed instructional material from the topics being studies into the Blooket platform. Students compete for prizes like snacks, and review their knowledge along the way.
Here are a few samples from the Into Course: