Engineering

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Spark! Engineering is designed for students who are interested in engineering and manufacturing fundamentals, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Immerse yourself with engineers and manufacturers using tools and software to create and test 3D prototypes solving complex problems. Apply lean manufacturing processes that create value for customers and drive out the waste in production. Students experience hands-on, active learning with full immersion in real-world projects sponsored by business partners. Students work in multi-disciplinary teams to provide innovative solutions to a company’s real-world problems. Engineering projects are tailored to student interest in the fields of chemical, electrical, mechanical, civil, environmental, software/computer, architectural, advanced manufacturing, robotics, biological, and environmental.

Spark! Engineering is located at 670 Mason Ridge Center, Suite 100, St. Louis, 63141.

Projects

Gateway Arch Annual Engineering Competition

Fall Semester we participate in the Gateway Arch Engineering Contest. Students are given a real-world problem and students work together and with area engineering mentors to come up with the best solution. Students then present their work to a panel of professionals at Washington University competing against area schools.

Awards & Recognition

2024

2nd Place Overall – Sparktacular (Odd Day)
3rd Place Overall – Archway Architects (Even Day)
Best Executive Summary – Archway Architects (Even Day)
All Tournament Team – Sam Ettlinger and Layla Madison

2023

Best Presentation – The Sparkles! (Even Day)
MVP Award – Ryder Risko (Odd Day)

Design Projects

A key piece of engineering is for students to learn by doing through the Project Lead the Way Engineering Design and Development (EDD) project. The knowledge and skills students acquire throughout PLTW Engineering come together in EDD as they identify a problem then research, design, and test a solution, ultimately presenting their solutions to a panel of engineers. Students apply the professional skills they have developed in Spark! to document the design process, reach out to industry and present their project in a variety of settings. Below is a sample list of projects from previous school years:

Create a way to upcycle plastic soda bottles and reduce waste
Invent a way to cheaply separate salt from water for rural communities near the ocean
Improve bathroom motion sensors
Innovate charging cords to be more durable
Improve posture in elementary age students by redesigning the classroom setting

Students present their designs at the STEMSTL Showcase in April.

Awards & Recognition

Spring 2024

Best Overall Engineering Design - Colin Recar & Manan Sharma "Hurdle Mover"

Field Experiences and Professional Excursions

Students in engineering gain greater hands-on experience of what industry looks like and are able to work side by side with industry professionals and hone both hard technical skills and essential skills for professional success. Previous field experiences and professional excursions include: