This course outlines the foundational skills and principles necessary for success in engineering. Students explore teamwork dynamics and leadership roles, progressing to understand mathematical concepts like algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability as they relate to engineering. Students gain hands-on experience in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and designing prototypes. Additionally, students explore fluid power systems, basic construction techniques, and emerging trends in the industry.

Course Outline

Unit 1: Team Projects

This unit will allow students to understand how teams work and one’s strengths as a team member.

• To differentiate between team member functions and discuss the implications.
• To demonstrate how to solve problems in a team.
• To be a team leader and support team members.

Unit 2: Teamwork & Collaboration

This unit will have students develop an understanding of teamwork and collaboration while exhibiting leadership and teamwork skills.

• To differentiate between various learning styles, personality traits and leadership styles found within the classroom and the workplace.
• To develop team-building skills.
• To identify leadership and teamwork qualities which creates a pleasant working atmosphere.
• To exhibit teamwork skills and the ability to cooperate, contributes and collaborate as a member of a team.
• To explain and recognize the value of collaboration within the workplace.
• To conduct and participate in meetings and employ mentoring skills.
• To demonstrate collaboration skills through teamwork.
• To identify and practice effective interpersonal and team-building skills involving situations with coworkers, supervisors and clients.

Unit 3: Engineering Teams

This unit will describe the components of successful engineering teams and their purpose and students will learn the importance of diversity for engineering teams and how their own strengths contribute to the success of the team. 

• To understand the purpose of teams in engineering design.
• To describe components of teams and how roles contribute to the success of a design team.
• To explain the importance of diversity as it relates to the success of an engineering team.

Unit 4: Conducting Lab & Field Investigations: Engineering Design

This unit will allow students to learn about the scientific method, how it is used in the scientific field and how the process is applied to various investigations.

• To describe the process of the scientific method and the importance of each step.
• To utilize the scientific method to make observations, ask questions, formulate hypotheses and identify variables.
• To design an experiment to test a hypothesis by collecting data, analyzing data and communicating outcomes.

Unit 5: Mathematical Principles: Algebra

This unit will have students explain and understand the relationship between algebraic mathematical disciplines and engineering.

• To identify the relationship between algebra and engineering practices.
• To review and implement algebra skills as they relate to engineering, such as solving quadratic formulas, analyzing scatterplots and applying graphing skills.
• To design and revise physical models integrating algebra skills with engineering knowledge.

Unit 6: Mathematical Principles: Geometry

This unit will have students apply knowledge of science and mathematics and the tools of technology to solve engineering design problems.

• To identify the relationship between algebra and engineering practices
• To differentiate between shapes to calculate surface area and volume.
• To identify and calculate key properties of a circle.
• To appropriately use congruence theorems, trigonometric functions and the Pythagorean theorem.
• To apply concepts of geometry relevant to engineering design problems.

Unit 7: Mathematical Principles: Models

This unit will allow students to understand and demonstrate how mathematical models are used to develop solutions to problems.

• To compare mathematical models and select a suitable representation for the concept of interest.
• To propose a mathematical model to solve a problem.
• To assess the validity of mathematical models and their solutions within the context of a problem.

Unit 8: Mathematical Principles: Statistics & Probability

This unit will help students understand and apply statistical measures and techniques.

• To assess the likelihood of desired outcomes given probability scenarios and specific conditions.
• To develop graphical models and measures of analysis suitable for information delivery and communication.
• To evaluate and propose explanations regarding the integration of statistical principles in engineering processes and applications.

Unit 9: Mathematical Principles: Measurements

This unit will help students understand tools and safety measures while taking measurements.

• To understand the purpose and proper use of different tools within a laboratory setting.
• To execute proper safety precautions and procedures.
• To calculate different conversions and common mathematic scenarios in engineering.

Unit 10: Analyzing Data: Engineering Science

This unit will help students analyze data sets to describe data distribution and identify any patterns, trends or relationships.

• To differentiate between and perform statistical tests on a set of data.
• To identify significant patterns and relationships though a data analysis.
• To interpret and describe the results of a data analysis.

Unit 11: Robotics Basics

This unit will help students understand the basics of robotics, automation and the emerging trends, careers and opportunities in these fields.

• To describe applications of robotic and automated systems.
• To identify potential careers in the fields of robotics and automated systems.
• To conceptually design a robotic or automated system.
• To identify the different types of technical drawings and how they are used in the industry.

Unit 12: Scientific Reasoning & Problem Solving

This unit will have students analyze critical thinking, scientific reasoning and problem-solving procedures and discuss the history and impact of science.

• To use critical thinking, scientific reasoning and problem solving to make informed decisions using the decision-making process and scientific method.
• To communicate and apply scientific information extracted from various sources and the implications.
• To evaluate models according to their limitations in representing biological objects or events.
• To research and describe the history of science and contributions of scientists. 

Unit 13: Problem-Solving & Data Analysis Techniques

This unit will have students demonstrate mathematical processes and scientific inquiry methods to pose questions, seek answers and develop solutions.

• To understand mathematical processes.
• To demonstrate knowledge of statistical experimental design.
• To recognize the steps in scientific inquiry and technological design.  

Unit 14: Problem Solving with Algorithms

This unit allow students to understand the building blocks of algorithms and to develop simple algorithms as solutions to various types of problems.

• To identify branching and iterative structures in algorithms.
• To develop algorithms as solutions to problems.
• To determine structures needed to solve different types of problems.

Unit 15: Solving Design Problems

This unit will have students understand and apply the steps of the engineering design process to design issues.

• To identify the steps of the engineering design process.
• To demonstrate application of the engineering design process.
• To utilize communication and interpersonal skills to effectively work in groups.

Unit 16: Developing a Model: Engineering Design

This unit will have students create solutions for an identified engineering problem.

• To create justifiable solutions to engineering problems.
• To test and evaluate proposed solutions using methods such as models, prototypes, mock-ups, simulations, critical design review, statistical analysis or experiments.
• To observe tests and make necessary changes to enhance the performance of the design.

Unit 17: Developing a Model: Scientific Research & Design

This unit will have students develop and use scientific models to explain phenomena.

• To differentiate between types of scientific models.
• To research and analyze scientific models used in scientific research.
• To develop a model to represent an object, system, process or solution in scientific research.

Unit 18: Prototyping

This unit will have students describe the purpose and process of constructing a prototype, practice critical thinking skills, and construct their own prototype.

• To demonstrate the prototyping process.
• To utilize measuring tools to practice precise measurements.
• To present the prototyping process with various presentation tools.

Unit 19: Advanced Prototype Fabrication

This unit will have students evaluate and understand different materials, tools and techniques used to fabricate parts and prototypes.

• To make informed decisions regarding the selection of materials for prototypes.
• To understand the application of basic hand tools, handheld power tools and manual machining tools.
• To understand the application of automated rapid prototyping and manufacturing technologies.
• To evaluate the best tool or machine to use to fabricate a prototype and justify the decision.

Unit 20: Fluid Power Systems

This unit will have students analyze and understand the fundamental operating principles and applications of fluid power systems.

• To understand the basic components and functions of fluid power systems.
• To perform basic calculations to characterize fluid power systems using Pascal’s law and the Ideal Gas Law.
• To experiment with flow rate, flow velocity and mechanical advantage in fluid power systems.

Unit 21: Building Construction: Basic Masonry

This unit will allow students to understand the principles behind the construction of basic brick and block structures.

• To learn the proper use and safety of the necessary tools and equipment.
• To learn the techniques necessary for the construction of basic brick and block structures.

Unit 22: Emerging Technologies in Construction

This unit will allow students to understand the progress and emerging technologies of the construction industry.

• To understand historical and current construction trends.
• To recognize emerging technologies in the construction industry.
• To identify state-of-the-art tools, equipment and materials.