Principles of Engineering Design
| Science Course | |
|---|---|
| Course Code | EGRD |
| Year Opened | 1996 |
| Sites Offered | ATN, BRI, HAV, SCZ, SUN |
| Previously Offered | EST, HKU, SRF |
Course Description
From the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, built to sustain high winds and temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, to the Shanghai Maglev, the world’s fastest commercial train that can cover 19 miles in just over seven minutes, humanity’s unending quest to find the best, most efficient, and cheapest means to make human life better has created engineering marvels.
Students in this course work primarily in teams to solve real-world and simulated problems in the field of engineering. This study requires a synergy of mathematical knowledge, scientific thinking, and engineering design skills. Students first examine actual engineering projects to see how a vast body of human knowledge is applied to solve problems. For example, students may analyze aircraft design to discuss how composite materials are used to make modern vehicles lighter and stronger; how innovations in energy technology make electric vehicles more efficient and viable; and how bridges are made to withstand extreme stress and wind pressure. Students then design, construct, and test their own working models and prototypes, such as amphibious vehicles, solar-powered cars, bridges, or skyscrapers.
As part of the engineering design process, students weigh economic and ethical considerations along with technological ones and submit written technical reports. They also discuss and compare their projects to determine avenues for design improvements. Students leave the class with a broader view of the field of engineering and a deeper understanding of the day-to-day work of engineers.
Class History
Bristol
EGRD.B.BRI.16.2 knew everyone and had the weirdest inside jokes. ("You're literally 12!", "That sounds like a you problem" - Justin Zhao 2k16, and "PLAY IT SON!" - Haeju.) They played a mean game of 9-square every break. They also liked to carry each other. CAAmper Czar Alfonso would always be carried by Jeff Lin and Enoch Oluwaboro to lunch, dinner, and from night class. They also slapped each other's butts a lot. The girls would slap Imani Barbour and the boys would slap Enoch Oluwaboro.
EGRD.A.BRI.18.1's count off was to "All Star" by Smash Mouth. They played 9-square matches and constantly blasted music from a speaker. Their TA, Mike, took control of night class by repeating, "Guys."
EGRD.B.BRI.18.2 was the best class because of TA Mike.
Seattle
EGRD.A.SUN.17.2 was taught by David Shaw, an intimidating mechanical engineer, and TAd by Melissa Oberly. The entire course was spent building stuff with balsa wood, with the exception of the first week, which was spent learning new vocabulary and equations everyone forgot. Since the focus was on building, David had to tell the class how to reach the correct answers on the post test. However, he said he was proud of the students for figuring out how to make functional things that met the criteria in the challenging scenarios he gave them. This class used so much balsa wood and hot glue that the hot glue ran out by the second week. The instructor had to buy more and repeatedly told students to stop using so much glue.
EGRD.B.SUN.17.2 did similar projects to the the EGRD.A class, but their instructor Michael was an electrical engineer rather than a mechanical engineer (like David, who taught the EGRD.A class) so it was a little different. Their egg drop was replaced by some sort of Pringle protection contraption that students threw around the room to test. While both classes built bridges, this class was allowed to have materials that were significantly easier to work with (e.g. thicker balsa wood and in larger amounts). Both classes built solar cars, but this class used a kit while EGRD.A used whatever was available in their lab (tons of balsa wood and hot glue) The EGRD.B class had a much higher success rate with the cars, but students complained it wasn't as fun. In EGRD.B, everyone made new friends, and Kevin learned a lot of new Chinese swears. Bill loved using his iPad and it got him in trouble. Everyone played a lot of Four Square. Henry's height was insane, while Ryan and Nolan loved playing Pokemon Go. Though walking up the hill was a pain, everyone got to class and learned a lot.
EGRD.SUN.22.1 had a stunning total of nine students, three of which were girls. This was one of the largest classes at the site. The first instructor mysteriously disappeared for two days after a week or so (presumably due to COVID) and for two days, the TA taught the class until a new instructor appeared. The TA was better than the original instructor at teaching physics. When not building things or learning physics, students enjoyed sword-fighting with sticks of balsa.
