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 Inventor to produce physical 3-D printed prototypes.
Hands-on Experience
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.
Project Examples
Learn about tolerances to 3D model and print working prototypes.
Work with teammates to design and create an add-on bundle to a toy car set.
Take apart a product to document its parts and improve the design with a team.
Learn about gears and cams to design and build a crank toy.
Create a unique product to solve a set of problems.