Energy3D

Engineering design is increasingly emphasized for pre-college science education. For instance, NGSS combines engineering practices with scientific practices as core scientific and engineering practices in its guiding framework. Many educational programs have been developed to use engineering design as a context for students to learn mathematics and science (NRC, 2014). In this activity, we will experience some engineering design challenges using a computer-aided engineering design tool, Energy3D, developed at the Concord Consortium. Follow the steps listed below to get ready for a Design Challenge for the next class.

(image from Energy3D homepage)

1. Go to Energy3D homepage. Read the introduction. Install the software using Web Installer or Zip Installer (from the left panel).

2. Click Sketch Steps under Instruction on the left panel, watch the video (note: it’s showing an old version) to get some basic ideas about how to use the tool.

3. Download User’s Guide under Instruction. Go through pg. 1-19. (Chap. 5 is optional).

4. Questions, comments, feedback with regard to the software may be posted on Discussion Board in Blackboard.