Summer Springboard
Fundamentals of Engineering
ACADEMIC COURSE
INNOVATE, DESIGN, AND BUILD SOLUTIONS TO REAL-WORLD CHALLENGES THROUGH HANDS-ON ENGINEERING PROJECTS THAT MERGE CREATIVITY WITH TECHNOLOGY.
Fundamentals of Engineering
- Develop 3D design solutions to tackle mechanical, civil, and biomedical engineering challenges.
- Manufacture an artificial limb that mimics natural movement in real-world applications.
- Design and build a scale-model structure compliant with code, zoning, and budget constraints.
- Collaborate with engineering professionals and learn about cutting-edge advancements in the field.
- Use Autodesk software to reverse-engineer everyday objects and practice assembly techniques.
- Present design solutions via gallery-walk style exhibitions and product improvement demonstrations.
Summer Springboard
Fundamentals of Engineering
Course Overview
This engineering summer program for high school students doesn’t just tackle engineering and science fundamentals, it also challenges students to think critically and creatively about how to design innovative solutions to complex problems. We will explore facets of mechanical, structural, civil, and biomedical engineering in a hands-on, minds-on approach.
In the first six classes, students will spend two days focused on each of the following fields of engineering: biomedical, civil, and mechanical. For each subfield of engineering, students will learn some key concepts and complete at least one design challenge. For the last three classes, each student (or team of students) chooses the field of engineering that interests them most and does a larger project or design challenge focused on that area.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Outcome #1
Master 3D design fundamentals across mechanical, civil, and biomedical engineering through multiple targeted challenges.
Outcome #2
Apply robotics and biomechanics by creating functional prosthetics that replicate natural movement.
Outcome #3
Understand structural design constraints, including safety codes, zoning rules, and financial limitations.
Outcome #4
Develop technical communication skills through presenting iterative design improvements and final prototypes.
