NAF Engineering Academy

NAF Academy Theme

The NAF Engineering Academy creates further understanding of how things work, how to solve complex problems, and ultimately how to design and make new things. Students get hands-on experience with modeling and building, robotics, zSpace computers, 3D printers, and much more. For young people on the cusp of making decisions about what their future holds, NAF connects the working world with high school experience by infusing STEM and work-based learning experiences into the curriculum to ensure students graduate and are college, career, and future-ready. More than 4 out of 5 students graduate from college without a job. Educators work hard to prepare students for the future.

NAF Mission Statement

The Burbank Unified School District NAF Academy will provide an academic and technology-based program that inspires students to become respectful and successful members of a continually evolving global community. Through high quality instruction, community service, shadowing experiences, and work experience/internships, students will graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college, the workplace, and the world beyond.

Engineering 1

Name Tag On Tinkercad

This STEM course is a basic introduction to engineering for all students. Students who complete this course will learn the concepts necessary in order to develop their ideas into solutions that will improve our lives. Exciting hands-on learning activities like data comparison of heart rates, rating consumer products, destructive testing and building speakers apply math, science, history and English content from other courses in a STEM experience. This course makes science and mathematics more engaging, interesting, concrete, and relevant. The course’s intention and purpose is to educate students in a “main line” method by providing STEM education for everyone. While providing a STEM-based education for all students, those interested in becoming practicing engineers clearly benefit from this course content

Windmill Project

In Engineering 1, we completed numerous projects, but I have chosen to highlight two. One of our early assignments involved using Tinkercad to create a custom nametag, helping us become familiar with digital design tools. However, one of the most memorable projects was a group challenge where we built a windmill using materials from home. This hands-on experience not only introduced me to the creativity and problem-solving aspects of engineering but also strengthened my leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. It was one of the first projects I completed in the NAF Engineering program, and it played a pivotal role in inspiring me to continue in the program for all four years.

Engineering Construction & Design

Final Projects

Using the drill press

The Engineering Construction & Design course introduces the fundamental skills necessary in the construction industry across trades. Students will learn construction safety, hand and power tools, construction math, construction drawings, materials-handling, job communication, and skills to gain employment.

In Construction and Design, I developed a variety of skills and gained valuable hands-on experience by creating my own projects. I had the opportunity to design and build a custom box, a step stool, and a nameplate for my sister. Before starting any projects, we had to learn essential safety precautions, as working with tools and machinery carried risks of serious injury. This hands-on experience was exhilarating, as I had never done anything like it before. It deepened my interest in engineering, and I never once doubted my decision to stay in the Engineering Academy. While I faced some challenges along the way, the support of my teacher and peers helped me overcome them. Through this course, I gained not only technical skills but also confidence in my ability to create and problem-solve

Physics

Circuits Experiement

Egg drop Experiment

This physics course is a qualitative and quantitative study of the central concepts of physics, including mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. Emphasis will be placed on mental imagery that relates to things and events that are familiar in the everyday environment. Physics concept 65 will be studied with the use of demonstrations, laboratory investigations, multimedia presentations, and student projects. Laboratory work will include some computation.

Physics was an incredibly educational course that tested both my determination and resilience. It was, without a doubt, the most challenging subject I encountered in high school. However, that made mastering it even more rewarding. Despite the difficulty, I found the subject fascinating as I explored concepts like acceleration, velocity, gravity, and various formulas. The numerous group projects allowed me to collaborate with peers, reinforcing my understanding while also providing valuable support. This class pushed my limits and ultimately taught me that with hard work and perseverance, I can overcome any challenge.

Engineering 2

Group Robot

Engine Work

In Engineering 2, I completed several activities, but I have highlighted the ones I enjoyed the most, as they were both educational and mentally stimulating, helping me develop various skills.

One of my favorite projects was building a robot with a team of four, including myself. We worked together, carefully following the teacher’s instructions to assemble a functioning robot with its own unique personality—whom we named "Waddles." This project culminated in a competition where our robot battled against others, and we placed 5th out of 8 or 9 teams.

Another hands-on project involved working with an engine alongside my partner. Unlike the robot project, where we followed written instructions, this time we learned by observation and demonstration. We carefully deconstructed the engine and then successfully reconstructed it, reinforcing our understanding of mechanical systems.

Lastly, I worked on designing two mini-golf courses as part of a group project. Each member created two holes, ensuring the course had a cohesive theme and incorporated obstacles. Initially, I struggled with designing my courses, but once I had a clear idea, I thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with Tinkercad’s tools and learning how to use them to my advantage.

Medievil Market Mini Golf

Medieval Castle Mini Golf

This advanced engineering STEM course makes a contribution to the curriculum by providing opportunities for students and teachers to link content together and apply it to solve problems. More and more jobs demand advanced skills, requiring people to be able to learn, reason, think creatively, make decisions, and solve problems. An understanding of science, technology, engineering and math and their methods contributes in an essential way to these skills. Principles of Engineering is a team-based advanced course designed for most students. The Principles of Engineering courses' intention and purpose is to educate students in a “main line” method by providing STEM education for everyone. While providing a STEM-based education for all students, those interested in becoming practicing engineers clearly benefit from this course content.

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