Engineering Your Own Electronic and Mechanical Devices - Senior SPARK
One Section Available to Choose From:
| Course Dates | Weeks | Meeting Times | Status | Instructor(s) | CRN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 15, 2013 - July 19, 2013 | 1 | M-F 9A-12N and T,TH 1P-4P | Waitlisted | Gregory Rizza, Jennet Toyjanova | 10535 |
Course Description
The main objective of this course is to explain and demonstrate how simple science and mathematics help in the building of various electro-mechanical devices. Also shown is the applications of these devices in real life as well as the design process that leads to their eventual creation.
This course introduces students to the theory, tools, and techniques in engineering involved with the designing and building of electronic and mechanical devices. Topics covered in the course will be an introduction to core engineering themes and principles, a discussion of creative problem-solving techniques, and the application and issues of several devices in various engineering fields.
During the course, students will work in small teams to design and prototype their own electro-mechanical devices:
• The design and building of a radio, in which the students will learn the technology behind the device, and then actually construct their very own.
• The building of a small model car equipped with motor, in which the students will learn a summary of the mechanics involved with automotive construction.
Also included in the course is a load testing presentation along with a discussion of different materials and their strengths and weaknesses.
At the end of the course students in their design teams will be required to visually and orally communicate their final design project by explaining to a captive audience what they built, and what factors went into the designing of their device.
Our goals at the end of the course are for the students to have an understanding of how various devices are designed and built, and enable the students to better understand such questions as:
- How does a product go from an idea to actual device we can use?
- How do you know what material to use to make your device?
- Why does one car use more gasoline than another?
- How does a radio and cellular phone work?
- How do you know what materials are stronger than others?
We hope to achieve these goals by enabling the students to work and learn together in world class facilities where they will receive hands on learning from engaged and experienced educators.
*This Senior SPARK course is designed for students currently in 8th grade (entering 9th grade Fall 2013). Younger students are encouraged to register for our Junior SPARK courses.