Introduction to Engineering Design

Course Outline

Engineers make a world of difference!

Students are introduced to the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to identify and design solutions to a variety of real problems. They work both individually and in collaborative teams to develop and document design solutions using engineering notebooks and 3D modeling software.

Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) is a high school engineering course in the PLTW Engineering Program. In IED, students explore engineering tools and apply a common approach to the solution of engineering problems, an engineering design process. Utilizing the activity-project-problem-based (APB) teaching and learning pedagogy, students progress from completing structured activities to solving open-ended projects and problems that require them to plan, document, communicate, and develop other professional skills.

Through both individual and collaborative team activities, projects, and problems, students apply systems thinking and consider various aspects of engineering design including material selection, human-centered design, manufacturability, assemblability and sustainability. Students develop skills in technical representation and documentation especially through 3D computer modeling using a Computer Aided Design (CAD) application. As part of the design process, students will be able to produce precise 3D-printed engineering prototypes using an additive manufacturing process.

In IED, students apply computational methods in design projects by developing algorithms, performing statistical analyses, and developing mathematical models. Students build competency in professional engineering practices including project management, peer review, and environmental impact analysis as part of a collaborative design team. Ethical issues related to professional practice and product development are also presented.

• Unit 1 Design and Problem Solving

  • • 1.1 Design Basics

    • 1.2 Visualization and Solid Modeling

    • 1.3 CAD fundamentals

    • 1.4 Product Improvement

• Unit 2 Assembly Design

  • • 2.1 Put it Together

    • 2.2 Take it Apart

    • 2.3 A Material World

    • 2.4 Fix it

• Unit 3 Thoughtful Product Design

  • • 3.1 Responsible Design

    • 3.2 More than Parts

    • 3.3 Solve a Problem

• Unit 4 Making Things Move

  • • 4.1 You've Got to Move It

    • 4.2 May the Force Be with You

    • 4.3 Automating Motion

    • 4.4 Make it Move

**Due to time, space and material constraints along with students needs, some items will be taught in more depth while others might not be covered.