Course title

Engineering Design and Problem Solving

Pre-requisite

Exploring Engineering 1, 2 or Intermediate Algebra

Course description

Engineering Design & Problem Solving

I. Course Description:

Engineering Design & Problem Solving is the second course in the Sabino High School DOE engineering pathway. This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of engineering in the context of physics and alternative energies. Students learn about areas of specialization within engineering and engineering design; and apply engineering tools and procedures as they complete hands-on activities and projects. Included in this process are scientific data collection and analysis to determine effectiveness of project designs prior to construction and testing. Methods of scientific instruction include lecture; small group; group projects; and research. Aside from several scientific lab activities; students will complete three major design projects with the expectation of maintaining a written log of all scientific and mathematical applications throughout the engineering design process. The course also includes concerns about social; ethical and political consequences of technological change.

II. Expected Outcomes:

1) Students will be able to apply principles of science; technology; engineering; mathematics; communication; and teamwork to the solution of projects designs and problem solving.
2) Students will develop a fundamental understanding of the components and processes of the engineering design process and scientific method.
3) Students will develop an understanding of career fields in engineering and technology.

III. Science Content Covered:
kinematics; Newton?s Laws; rotational mechanics; forces; friction / drag; vector analysis;
potential & kinetic energies; power; work; impulse; momentum; conservation of energy; alternative energies; and computer programming.

IV. Curriculum:

1. Engineering Modeling
A. Engineering/mathematical modeling software
i. Function definition
ii. Plotting of functions
iii. Solution of a linear equation
iv. Solution of a nonlinear equation
v. Solution of systems of linear and nonlinear equations
vi. Plotting discrete data sets
vii. Uses in computer modeling
B. Spreadsheet
i. General spreadsheet structure
ii. Graphing sets of data
iii. Uses in computer modeling
iv. Principles of the modeling process
v. Interpretation of results and solutions from computer models
vi. Optimization techniques
vii. Organizing and representing data effectively
2. Engineering Labs:
A. Engineering process / Scientific method
B. Lab skills and safety
C. Kinematics of Motion
i. Discover Acceleration due to Gravity
ii. Acceleration of ball down ramp at various angles
D. Projectile Motion
i. Analysis of motion of air rocket
ii. Kinematics of three phases of model rocket launch
E. Forces
i. Newton?s Laws of Force & Friction
ii. Inertia of empty vs. full can of beans on various surface textures
iii. F=ma: Tractor Pull (LEGO NXT Robots)
F. Work; Power & Energy
i. Tractor Pull (LEGO NXT Robots)

G. Impulse & Momentum
i. Model Rocket Motor Analysis
ii. Kinematics of three phases of model rocket launch
H. Fluids
i. Aerodynamics drag analysis of model rocket fin designs

3. Long Term Lab Activities:
A. Solar oven design; construction/testing scientific content:

Heat Capacity Thermal Transmission Light Reflection
Thermal Insulation Solar Latitude Thermal Absorption
Multivariable Design Optimization Engineering / Scientific Process

B. LEGO Robotics scientific content:

Simple Machines Speed vs. Torque Programming
Newton?s Laws Power Kinematics
Rotational Mechanics Centripetal Force Engineering/Scientific Process
C. SAMPLE LAB: Model Rocket Challenge:

Students are to use acquired physics concepts to design; build; launch; redesign a model rocket to meet the following criteria:
? It must reach a height of exactly 750 feet
? It must have a launch-land time between 40-45 seconds
? It must carry an egg that must survive the landing.

The following physics concepts must be used and documented:

kinematics
mechanical energy
Newton?s Laws
power
impulse
energy
engineering process
Scientific Process
aerodynamics
fluids & friction
momentum
energy conservation
work
center of gravity
center of pressure

School country

United States

School state

Arizona

School city

Tucson

High school

Sabino High School

School / district Address

1010 E 10th St.

School zip code

85749

Date submitted

03/7/2011

Approved

Yes

Approved competency code

• LPHY
• Physics

Approved date

07/5/2011

Online / Virtual

No