In this capstone course of the engineering pathway, students take full ownership of the design process as they identify a real-world problem and develop a meaningful, innovative solution. Drawing on skills from previous engineering classes, students deepen their understanding of design thinking, manufacturing techniques, and patterns of innovation. The course begins with a team-based mini-capstone that introduces advanced tools and methods — including 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, and traditional fabrication equipment like saws and drills. From there, students explore problem validation, conduct user-focused research, and pitch their own project ideas. Once approved, students move from concept to prototype, applying iterative design and testing to refine their solutions. The experience culminates in the Engineering Design Fair, where students present their work to peers and faculty. Projects must focus on creating something that’s both approachable and impactful. Past capstones have included a child-proof knife block to reduce kitchen injuries, mobility crutches designed for athletes, and a smart recycling sorter that detects and separates overlooked plastics.

View Full Course Description