Students in PLTW Principles of Engineering explore a broad range of engineering topics, including simple machines, gears, systems integration, analysis of structures and materials, electrical circuits, energy, thermodynamics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and automation. Students develop skills in problem solving, research, and design while learning strategies for project documentation, collaboration, and presentation.
Students with Ping Pong ball launcher
Student Electric Car Design
TesTing Truss Bridge Design
Design circuits
Hands on Learning
Student's get to apply the principles of engineering they learn to develop their own designs as a team. Students were challenged to develop a Rube Goldberg Machine utilizing at least 3 different mechanisms to toss a ping pong ball.
BMW Manufacturing
POE students got to tour the BMW Manufacturing Plant in Spartenburg, SC. They saw first hand the assembly hall where over 800 robots operate to build the car frame and walked the assembly line where over 400,000 cars per year are produced. The plant covers over 160 acres under roof and employees 11,000 people.
GE Advanced Manufacturing Works
POE students saw new technology being developed at the GE Advanced Manufacturing Works Facility in Greenville, SC. They saw 3D metal printers being used to build complex parts for GE Gas Turbines, new applications for robots being developed, and novel new high temperature materials being created.
