This course allows students to experience the processes of research, design, construction, and testing of structures. Starting with a segment of drafting, students develop first hand engineering skills through the completion of one point perspective, oblique, isometric, and working drawings. Students will develop finished drawings with the aid of drafting equipment, and then progress to experimenting with models of various structures to demonstrate strength differences. These containers, bridges, and towers are designed and built according to specifications while keeping financial records. Teams of students working through the design process are given a problem, brainstorm solutions, sketch, draw, and construct the final product in preparation for a competitive assessment.
Students also learn the scientific concepts of tension, torsion, and load.
The mathematical concepts of accounting and effect of geometric shape are also explored. The course is designed on the principle that technology, science, and math are closely linked. While science tries to understand the natural world, mathematics helps to explain and predict the results of our endeavors, and technology tries to solve practical problems using scientific and mathematical applications.