Engineering

Class Topics

Term 1

Week 1- Structural Engineering

Project: Index Card Bridges

Learning Objectives:

Understand how structural forces (compression and tension) work.
Explore how geometric shapes distribute weight to increase stability.

Week 2 - Aerospace Engineering

Project: Straw Rockets

Learning Objectives:

Learn the four forces of flight: thrust, lift, drag, and gravity.
Understand aerodynamics and how fin shape affects flight stability.

Week 3 - Mechanical Engineering

Project: Rubber Band Paddle Boats

Learning Objectives:

Distinguish between potential (stored) energy and kinetic (motion) energy.
Learn how mechanisms convert rotational movement into propulsion.

Week 4 - Materials Science

Project: The Polymer Slime Lab

Learning Objectives:

Define chemical reactions, cross-linking, and molecular polymer chains.
Observe the unique physical properties of non-Newtonian fluids.

Week 5 - Electrical Engineering

Project: Paper Circuits

Learning Objectives:

Understand current electricity, polarity, and closed vs. open circuits.
Learn how to systematically troubleshoot and debug broken connections.

Week 6 - Fluid Dynamics

Project: Cartesian Divers

Learning Objectives:

Explore the physical principles of density, buoyancy, and displacement.
Observe Pascal's Principle: how pressure shifts volume within closed fluids.

Week 7 - Biomedical Engineering

Project: Prosthetic Hand Models

Learning Objectives:

Explore human biomechanics by mapping bone and tendon movements.
Translate physiological functions into mechanical joints and linkages.

Week 8 - Robotics Engineering

Project: Scribble Bots

Learning Objectives:

Learn how direct current (DC) motors convert electrical energy into motion.
Explore kinetic physics by using an eccentric (off-center) mass to create vibration.