STEM Challenges

Content

This course has a focus on engineering through design, testing and development. Students will manufacture small projects, some from a fixed design and others as a result of their findings in an effort to improve the design. Products will be drawn in a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) package, and the drawings will then be used to produce laser cut and 3D printed items. Traditional hand tools and machines may be required for the final assembly of the small projects.  

Topics may include:

• Principles of flight, aerodynamics, energy transfer, gearing and weight distribution     
• Calculations of ratio, area and volume
• Measurement and scaling
• 2D and 3D drawings, sketches and Computer-Aided Designs 
• Laser cutting and etching
• 3D printing
• Assembly of small projects
• Testing and evaluating 

Assessment

Tasks may include designing, building and testing a:

• Balsa wood glider
• 3D printed electronic car
• Mouse-trap powered car  

Each task may include:

• Introductory exercises with a skill focus
• Folio task and research
• Design task 
• Practical application and assembly of student design
• Written evaluation  

Additional Information