Category: Electives, Elementary, Special Education
Assessment: Pre-Test, Lesson Practice, Unit Exams, Mid-Term Exam, Final Exam
Language: English
Course Overview
This Elementary Engineering course introduces students to the basics of engineering and analyzes the major impact engineers have had on the world as we know it. Students will study each step of the engineering design process, and then put these steps into action. They will practice problem-solving and brainstorming through different design challenges, and will also learn about several fields of engineering that exist today.
Scope and Sequence
Unit 1In the introductory engineering unit, students are introduced to what engineering really is and the differences of science and engineering. Students learn about the benefits of engineering and it’s importance in the ancient era, middle era, renaissance era, and the modern era.Unit 2The Design Process unit delves into the Engineering Design Process. Specifically, the steps of Asking to Identify the Need and Constraints, researching the problem, imagining to develop possible solutions, planning and selecting the promising solution, sketching/drawing the design, and building a prototype. Additionally, the steps are testing and evaluating the prototype, redesigning as needed, and sharing solutions are also covered.Unit 3In this unit students learn about the engineering feat of the Panama Canal and then launch into their first engineering project, building a zipline. Through the course of this project the design process is reinforced. Additionally, this unit introduces chemical engineering and common chemical engineering scenarios.Unit 4 This unit introduces the famous engineer Thomas Edison and inspects the design process of test, evaluate, and redesign. Students begin their next engineering project to create carrier solutions. Additionally, students learn about electrical engineering and common electrical engineering scenarios.Unit 5In this unit students learn about Leonardo da Vinci and the benefits of sketching or drawing designs as well as the historical significance of Leonardo da Vinci to the field of engineering. A new project is undertaken to use the design process to engineer a spacecraft landing. Aerospace engineering and common scenarios found within aerospace engineering are also covered.Unit 6This unit introduces the story and process of the invention of the trampoline. A new project is initiated targeting designing and making boats. Software engineering and common scenarios found in the software engineering field are also covered.Unit 7In this unit Alexander Graham Bell’s research, impact, and sharing solution are covered. An additional engineering project is introduced in which students use the design process for to design, construct, and test a rocket. The field of automotive engineering and common scenarios found therein are also covered.Unit 8This unit investigates the research work of the Wright Brothers and their impact, with a specific focus on their build of a prototype. A new project focusing on zoo structures is also introduces. This unit also introduces students to the field of biomedical engineering and common scenarios found within biomedical engineering.Unit 9Students begin this unit by analyzing the problem that led to the engineering of the Hoover Dam and the important step that the building of a prototype had in the design process. Students then delve into a new project of building simple bridges utilizing the design concepts they have learned. Civil engineering and common scenarios encountered in the field of civil engineering are also covered.Unit 10In this unit, the Titanic and the failures in its design process are explored. Students are guided through a new project geared toward constructing boats. The field of marine engineering and common scenarios found therein are also introduced.Unit 11Students begin this unit by analyzing the problem that led to the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge followed by an analysis of the design process of the Golden Gate Bride. Students then begin a paper columns project designed to employ the new concepts they’ve learned Environment engineering and the common scenarios encountered in the field of environmental engineering are introduced.Unit 12In this unit students learn about the invention of earmuffs and the story of the design process that brought this invention to reality. Student then undertake a new balloon launcher engineering project. Additionally, the field of nuclear engineering and common scenarios encountered therein are introduced.Unit 13This unit begins with the analysis of The Eiffel Tower and its design process. Specific focus is placed of the sketching that took place early in the design. Student’s then delve into the flying marshmallows design challenge. Architectural engineering and common scenarios found therein are also addressed.Unti 14This unit begins by looking at the work of kid inventor Abbey Fleck. An emphasis is placed on the steps of identifying the problem, testing, evaluating, and redesigning to find success in the engineering process. Students then delve into the What’s in a Dome engineering challenge. Lastly, the field of mechanical engineering is introduced and common scenarios found therein are examined.Unit 15In this unit, Henry Ford and his important engineering accomplishments are analyzed. Specifically, how Ford used the design process to clearly identify a problem, set a goal, and then design and redesign as needed to accomplish his goal. Student’s then launch into the paddling around engineering challenge. Industrial engineering and the common scenarios found therein are explored.Unit 16This unit begins by analyzing Benjamin Franklin and some of his important engineering work. Particular focus is placed on the research step of the design process. The Building Bucket Towers challenge is then undertaken. Computer engineering and the common scenarios found therein are introduced.
