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- This course is an introduction to the field of engineering. Students are exposed to design concepts used in mechanical, civil, structural, electrical, and aeronautical engineering. The course includes an introduction to AutoDesk® CAD software (free download). Designed for ~8th-10th graders, but older students welcome.
- Textbook and Workbook for this class: Principles of Engineering, by Handley, Coon, Marshall, ISBN 978-1435428362 Amazon link Note: There are different ISBN's for this book, because it is used in many foreign countries, and some are paperback and some are hardback. As far as I can tell, they have the same contents. Make sure the textbook you are buying has (14) chapters. The accompanying workbook is Principles of Engineering (Workbook), by Singer, Phillips, French, ISBN 978-1435428379 Amazon link The workbook has (14) chapters and is around 180 pages in length. There are lots of used copies of these books online.
- Supplies: You will need a scientific calculator (TI-30Xa is perfect, $10), and various types of graph paper throughout the course Printfreegraphpaper.com.
- CAD: Fairly early in the course, you will need to download AutoDesk Inventor (the full version). It's free, but you will need proof that you're a student, and not just someone trying to get free software. This is usually not a problem for homeschoolers, but email me with any questions. AutoDesk Student link
- You will need access to a relatively modern computer with internet connection. A computer less than 5 years old should suffice. You will need a webcam and mike to participate in the class.
- Homework: You'll be turning in your homework on Canvas. You will receive a join code.
| engineering_graph_paper 10ths |
| engineering graph paper plain_10mm_per_square.pdf |
Unit 1: Machines & Mechanisms
Ch. 3: The Mechanical Advantage
What are we learning?
We'll dive into simple and compound machines, and an important engineering concept called "mechanical advantage".
Below: Steam engine. The flywheel was hooked up to a drive belt, which delivered power to other machines in the factory
We'll dive into simple and compound machines, and an important engineering concept called "mechanical advantage".
Below: Steam engine. The flywheel was hooked up to a drive belt, which delivered power to other machines in the factory
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Below: Compound Machines used in packaging and manufacturing
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Assigned reading
Ch. 3 - The Mechanical Advantage
Pacing: FYI we'll spend about 4-5 weeks on this chapter, along with associated homework and drawing exercises.
Ch. 3 - The Mechanical Advantage
Pacing: FYI we'll spend about 4-5 weeks on this chapter, along with associated homework and drawing exercises.
| poe_lecture notes_-_force_work_power.docx |
| lecture_2_notes_-_mech_adv_lever_ramp_wedge_wheelaxle_calculations.docx |
Homework
In this class I will post various homework handouts in each Unit. We will do what we have time for. Canvas will show you what's next and when it's due.
In this class I will post various homework handouts in each Unit. We will do what we have time for. Canvas will show you what's next and when it's due.
| 3.1_calculating_work_and_power.pdf |
| 3.2_calculating_mechanical_advantage.pdf |
| simple_machines_practice_problems__activity_1.1.2_.docx |
Engineering drawing
In this class, we'll start off with some simple orthographic and isometric hand-drawings. After you're comfortable with these, we will start using Inventor to create 3D parts. After that, we will gradually move to more complicated Inventor projects.
In this class, we'll start off with some simple orthographic and isometric hand-drawings. After you're comfortable with these, we will start using Inventor to create 3D parts. After that, we will gradually move to more complicated Inventor projects.
| "Four_easy_isometric_exercises".pdf |
| AutoDesk Inventor_24_practice_exercises.pdf |
Student 'machine' exemplars
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Ch. 4: Mechanisms
What are we learning?
Now we graduate to more-complicated mechanisms, such as linkages, cams, and bearings... and gears, sprockets, and chain drives. These are the building blocks of modern machinery, robotics, wind turbines, car engines, and so on.
Below: A car engine is a perfect illustration of linkages, cams, and bearings
Now we graduate to more-complicated mechanisms, such as linkages, cams, and bearings... and gears, sprockets, and chain drives. These are the building blocks of modern machinery, robotics, wind turbines, car engines, and so on.
Below: A car engine is a perfect illustration of linkages, cams, and bearings
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Gear types, left to right: Compound Gear Train, Worm Gear, Rack & Pinion
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Assigned reading
Ch. 4 Mechanisms
Pacing: As an estimate, we'll spend about 4-5 weeks on this chapter.
Ch. 4 Mechanisms
Pacing: As an estimate, we'll spend about 4-5 weeks on this chapter.
| 4._gears_sprockets_pulley_systems_lecture_notes.docx |
Homework
Various handouts below
Various handouts below
| 4.1._camshaft_sketch__explanation.docx |
| _4.1_calculating_cam_displacement_-_student_exemplar.pdf |
| _4.2_calculating_gear_train_speed_and_torque_-_student_example.pdf |
| 4._combination_machine_problem_2023.docx |
Engineering drawing
We'll start with plate spacer, gasket, and gusset typical sketching-problems to learn the basics. Then we will move on to the Oldham Coupling project. Due dates are in Canvas.
Oldham Coupling project
This will be our first "assembly" Inventor project. We'll spread it over several sessions as needed.
We'll start with plate spacer, gasket, and gusset typical sketching-problems to learn the basics. Then we will move on to the Oldham Coupling project. Due dates are in Canvas.
Oldham Coupling project
This will be our first "assembly" Inventor project. We'll spread it over several sessions as needed.
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| 1. oldham_coupling_tutorial_1 "Disc".pdf |
| 2. oldham_coupling_tutorials_2-4 "Flange, shaft, key".pdf |
| 3. Oldham_Coupling_-_assembly_basics_Ch. 3, Tutorial_1.pdf |
| 4. oldham_coupling_-_Ch. 4 creating_drawings_tutorial |
| oldham_coupling_exploded_view_tutorial_ch._4_-_tutorial_2.pdf |
Unit 2: Energy & Power
Ch 5: Energy
What are we learning?
Our entire scientific-industrial economy depends on a plentiful supply of energy. In this chapter we will learn about thermodynamics, traditional energy sources, and solar and wind power. There are several project-based exercises posted below, and we'll do what we have time for.
Below: Traditional power sources include nuclear, coal, and natural gas
Our entire scientific-industrial economy depends on a plentiful supply of energy. In this chapter we will learn about thermodynamics, traditional energy sources, and solar and wind power. There are several project-based exercises posted below, and we'll do what we have time for.
Below: Traditional power sources include nuclear, coal, and natural gas
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Power from the sun: The world's largest solar plant, solar panel construction, and a 'Power Tower' system in California
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Wind Turbines perfectly illustrate the use of gear trains, simple and compound machines, and electrical switchgear
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Assigned reading
Ch. 5 Energy
Pacing: We'll spend about 4-5 weeks on this chapter.
Ch. 5 Energy
Pacing: We'll spend about 4-5 weeks on this chapter.
Engineering drawing
Gears: I'll have instructions when we get here.
Gears: I'll have instructions when we get here.
Homework
Several project-based assignments below. We'll do what we have time for.
Several project-based assignments below. We'll do what we have time for.
| 5._thermodynamics_activity_1.3.3_revised_2023_.docx |
Utility Shed Energy Project
Compute the heat loss from the Utility Shed in BTU/hr, assuming inside temp. 70 F and outside temp. 32 F. Then do a separate "energy efficient" design with 2"-thick molded polystyrene under the concrete slab, and re-compute the BTU/hr. Use a soil temp. of 55 F. Report your results in the "Energy Worksheet Excel Template" and turn it in on Canvas. The Powerpoint slides, shed dimensions, and R-values chart are posted below.
Compute the heat loss from the Utility Shed in BTU/hr, assuming inside temp. 70 F and outside temp. 32 F. Then do a separate "energy efficient" design with 2"-thick molded polystyrene under the concrete slab, and re-compute the BTU/hr. Use a soil temp. of 55 F. Report your results in the "Energy Worksheet Excel Template" and turn it in on Canvas. The Powerpoint slides, shed dimensions, and R-values chart are posted below.
| Utility_shed_energy_project_-_Powerpoint_slides.ppt |
| Utility_shed_drawing_-_sheet_a1.pdf |
| Utility Shed: Energy_Worksheet_Excel_Template.xls |
| r-valuedensitieschart.pdf |
Power Generation presentation
| 5._power_generation_presentation.docx |
Solar Energy design project
| 6._solar_power_design_project.docx |
Video goes through all the steps. Note: In the video, I gave the wrong roof dimensions on the house. Examine the plans carefully and determine the 'right' dimensions.
| 5._coronado_house_plans__pdf |
Wind Energy design project (RETScreen)
| 7._wind_energy_design_project.docx |
Live Wind Map here earth.nullschool.net/
Ch. 6: Electrical Systems
What are we learning?
We'll learn how to use volts, current, and resistance, and how to calculate electrical power. We'll study series and parallel circuits. We'll build some DC circuits using actual components and breadboards. Then we'll build some batteries.
We'll learn how to use volts, current, and resistance, and how to calculate electrical power. We'll study series and parallel circuits. We'll build some DC circuits using actual components and breadboards. Then we'll build some batteries.
| dc_circuits_slides.pptx |
Assigned reading
Ch. 6 Electrical Systems
Pacing: We'll spend about 4-5 weeks on this chapter
Ch. 6 Electrical Systems
Pacing: We'll spend about 4-5 weeks on this chapter
Homework
| Activity_1.2.4_Circuit Calculations problems.pdf |
| Power_Calculations_problems.docx |
| Big_circuit_problem.jpg |
Labs
Series-Parallel Circuit lab
Zinc-MnO2 Battery lab
Aluminum-Air Battery lab
Mg-MnO2 Battery lab
Series-Parallel Circuit lab
Zinc-MnO2 Battery lab
Aluminum-Air Battery lab
Mg-MnO2 Battery lab
| Circuit-Build Lab 1: Series & Parallel |
| Zn-MnO2_battery_lab_handout.docx |
| Aluminum-Air_battery_lab_handout.pdf |
| Mg-MnO2_battery_lab_handout_3pp.docx |
| Battery_labs_student_exemplars.pdf |
Electrical Generator weblab
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/faraday
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/faraday
| 8._generator_lab.doc |
| generator_en.jar |
Ch. 7: Fluid Power
What are we learning?
Fluid power is a wide field which includes hydraulic and pneumatic systems, all the way up to big civil engineering projects like dams, water supply, and hydroelectric systems. We'll spread our coverage over theory, homework, and labs.
Fluid power is a wide field which includes hydraulic and pneumatic systems, all the way up to big civil engineering projects like dams, water supply, and hydroelectric systems. We'll spread our coverage over theory, homework, and labs.
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Assigned reading
Ch. 7 Fluid Power Systems
Pacing: We'll plan on spending about 2-3 weeks on this chapter
Ch. 7 Fluid Power Systems
Pacing: We'll plan on spending about 2-3 weeks on this chapter
Homework
- Ch. 7 Hydraulics Problems on Canvas
- PLTW Fluid Power Practice Problems on Canvas (handout below)
| Fluid_Power_Practice Problems (PLTW 3.2) |
Unit 3: Engineering Materials
Ch. 9: Materials
What are we learning?
Properties of metals, concrete, wood (timber), polymers and composites.
Stress-Strain curves for various materials, Young's Modulus, and Moment of Inertia.
Properties of metals, concrete, wood (timber), polymers and composites.
Stress-Strain curves for various materials, Young's Modulus, and Moment of Inertia.
Assigned reading
Read Ch. 9 Materials
Pacing: Figure about 3-4 weeks on this chapter
Read Ch. 9 Materials
Pacing: Figure about 3-4 weeks on this chapter
Exercise I: Metals & Wood
| 10._materials_exercise_1_-_metals_and_wood.docx |
| allowable_span_tables.pdf |
| standard_specification_for_structural_steel.pdf |
Exercise II: Concrete
| 10._materials_exercise_2_-_concrete |
| Estimating concrete pad: Example problem |
| Sheet A1: Utility shed drawing |
| information bulletin_140_17pp.pdf |
Plastic Wrap Stress-Strain lab
In this lab, we destruct-test a "cable" made of plastic wrap (a PVC plastic), and plot its Stress-Strain Curve. From the curve, we can calculate the Modulus of Elasticity of the PVC material, and compare that with the published values for that material.
In this lab, we destruct-test a "cable" made of plastic wrap (a PVC plastic), and plot its Stress-Strain Curve. From the curve, we can calculate the Modulus of Elasticity of the PVC material, and compare that with the published values for that material.
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| plastic_wrap_stress_strain_curve_lab_-_student_exemplar.pdf |
Ch. 10: Material Properties
What are we learning?
We'll solve actual engineering problems involving real structures.
We'll also analyze some infamous Bridge Collapses including the actual blueprints.
We'll solve actual engineering problems involving real structures.
We'll also analyze some infamous Bridge Collapses including the actual blueprints.
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Assigned reading
Read Ch. 10 Material Properties
Pacing: We'll spend about 4-5 weeks on this topic.
Read Ch. 10 Material Properties
Pacing: We'll spend about 4-5 weeks on this topic.
Homework
Ch. 10 workbook assignments are hosted in Canvas.
Ch. 10 workbook assignments are hosted in Canvas.
| Stress_strain_calculations (Activity 2.3.1) (problems 1-6 only) |
Engineering Failures class presentation
| engineering_failures_flaws_and_flops_student_handout_2023.docx |
Engineering Failures: Some important examples below
| I-35_bridge_collapse_assignment_rev..docx |
| I-35 Bridge Disaster slides |
| 13._hyatt_walkway_collapse_case_study.docx |
| 13._schulman_-_hyatt_regency_PowerPoint.pptx |
| 13._bernhardt_-_hyatt_collapse article in Structure Magazine.pdf |
| miami_pedestrian_bridge_bid package with blueprints(post tensioning details p.115) |
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Beam Deflection lab
| 11._beam_deflection_lab_handout__pltw_activity_2.1.2_.docx |
| beam_deflection_lecture_notes.docx |
Unit 4: Structures
Ch. 12: Statics
What are we learning?
We'll learn how to solve actual engineering problems involving beams, columns, trusses, bridges, and buildings.
We'll learn how to solve actual engineering problems involving beams, columns, trusses, bridges, and buildings.
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Assigned reading
Ch. 12 Statics
Pacing: approximately 4-5 weeks
Ch. 12 Statics
Pacing: approximately 4-5 weeks
| 12a._force_vectors_lecture_slides.pptx |
| 12a._freebodydiagrams_how_to_draw_.pptx |
| 12c._truss_calculations_method-of-joints_.pptx |
Homework
These are hosted in Canvas:
These are hosted in Canvas:
- Exercise 12.1 "Adding vectors"
- Exercise 12.2 "Calculating support reactions"
- Exercise 12.3 "Calculating reactions...of truss systems"
Summer Camp bridge design exercise
| 12c._bridge_design_problem_using_md_solids.docx |
| crazy_creek_summer_camp_bridge_proposal.pdf |
Retail Building design exercise
| retail_building_design_exercise_-_Drawing Package.pdf |
| structural_engineering_lecture_slides |
| steel_wide_flange_beam_properties_handout.pdf |
| retail_building_design_exercise_annotated_with_calcs.docx |
| structural_design_project_student_exemplars_2024.pdf |
Final Project
Final Class Presentations
Choose an engineering topic of interest, prepare an 8-10 minute PowerPoint or Prezi, and present it at the final class. Submit your "topic" via email for pre-approval by the due date.
Include lots of pictures, diagrams, and charts. Use note cards if you must, but DO NOT READ FROM YOUR SLIDES! You will need a minimum of around 10-15 slides to talk for 8-10 minutes. Be ready to take questions from the class.
Here's a few ideas:
Choose an engineering topic of interest, prepare an 8-10 minute PowerPoint or Prezi, and present it at the final class. Submit your "topic" via email for pre-approval by the due date.
Include lots of pictures, diagrams, and charts. Use note cards if you must, but DO NOT READ FROM YOUR SLIDES! You will need a minimum of around 10-15 slides to talk for 8-10 minutes. Be ready to take questions from the class.
Here's a few ideas:
- Electric cars, electric trucks, electric airplanes
- Wind power
- Solar power
- Nuclear power, micro-reactors
- Personal robots, flying skateboards, weird scooters
- Self-driving automobiles
- Travel to Mars, Space-X, the world's largest rocket
- Tissue engineering
- Analyze a well known skyscraper, bridge, or tunnel
- Analyze an engineering disaster
- Showcase something on Inventor
- Batteries
- Hydrogen fuel cells
- Bioengineered prosthetics for sports
- Bridge across the Bering Strait
- Tunnel across the Atlantic Ocean
| engineering_career_discussion.docx |
Student Exemplars
| spacex_-_the_travel_of_the_future.pdf |
| bugatti_16-cyl._engine_analysis.pdf |
| chesapeake_bay_bridge-tunnel.pdf |
| the_inner_workings_of_tesla_vehicles.pdf |