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open-ended problems and creativity
open-ended problems and creativity
Engineers and scientist of all disciplines need individual skills and the ability to address open-ended problems in which team work and cooperation is essential. In this Cluster on Engineering Design and Control of Kinetic Sculptures, we adopt a similar approach. Students first work individually on their clock projects, but to promote communication and team work, students work in groups of 3-4 on their kinetic sculptures. The individual design of a clock and the group effort on the design of the kinetic sculpture allows a mix of creativity and engineering analysis. In addition, the physics and dynamics analysis along with the experiments and hands-on design experience in the MAE Design Studio bring theory and practice together to create a challenge that students approach with passion and fun.
course topics
course topics
The cluster is taught over 4 weeks and will cover the following topics:
Design and build working mechanical kinetic sculptures systems (clock and kinetic art kit)
Use creativity side-by-side with engineering equations
Use Computer-Aided-Design and Drafting with AutoCAD and Inventor
Cut out 2D parts with the LaserCAMM and print 3D parts with one of our Robo 3D printers
Use interactive graphical computer simulations to simulate mechanics with WorkingModel 2D
Learn how to program a micro processor using RobotC and a Lego NXT
Apply teamwork and project management to in the engineering design and deliverables
Communicate technical achievements orally and in writing
Create a webpage (and possibly poster) documenting your work
DAILY Schedule
DAILY Schedule
The typical daily schedule for Monday, Wednesday and Friday consist of a 45 minute lecture at 9am and 1pm led by the Professor or co-instructor, followed by laboratory and exercises for the remainde rof the morning and afternoon. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, a special session on Science Communication led by the teacher fellow is used to work on presentations, web pages and a special ethics assignment. Next to the standard lectures, labs and science communication sessions we also have laboratory tours, an introduction on College Life by our Teaching Assistants and a field trip to Solar Turbines in San Diego.
The details on the 2025 Cluster Schedule also gives insight how the students will spend their 4 weeks in our cluster during the COSMOS summer program.
2025 Cluster 2 Schedule.xlsxPage updated
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