Engineering Project Concepts and Challenges

Gabrielle Percario introduces Project Lead the Way, a national curriculum preparing students for STEM careers. The Principles of Engineering class focuses on mechanics and machine building, where students design gear trains and compound machines. They use design notebooks to brainstorm and collaborate in teams, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. The course emphasizes student-led learning, with guidance from the teacher, encouraging students to explore innovative designs.

What is the primary goal of the Project Lead the Way curriculum?

• To teach students about history and literature

• To focus on sports and physical education

• To prepare students for careers in engineering and STEM

• To prepare students for careers in medicine

Which of the following is NOT a specialty course mentioned in the Principles of Engineering class?

• Mechanical Engineering

• Digital Electronics

• Architecture

• Civil Engineering

What is the purpose of creating a gear train in the project?

• To increase speed

• To increase torque

• To decrease weight

• To decrease friction

How many simple machines were required in the students' project?

• Three

• Four

• Two

• One

What is the first step students must take before starting their project?

• Gather materials

• Brainstorm individually

• Build a prototype

• Test the machine

What is the purpose of the design notebook in the project?

• To track time spent on the project

• To list materials used

• To capture ideas and designs

• To record grades

What was a common challenge students faced at the beginning of the project?

• Finding materials

• Deciding on team roles

• Understanding the design statement

• Figuring out how to start

How did the teacher assist students during the project?

• By grading their work daily

• By building the machine for them

• By facilitating and providing ideas

• By giving them the answers

What was a notable outcome of the students' project work?

• They all used the same design

• They focused only on theory

• They struggled to complete the project

• They created unique and creative designs

What was the ultimate goal of the project for the students?

• To use the most materials

• To finish quickly

• To enjoy the process and understand the mechanics

• To win a competition