Comments

=Comments / Area For Growth / Problems / Successes = = =


 * Area For Growth **

 An area for growth is the expansion of most project to include an investigative portion prior to starting the project. The investigative portion would provide the students with background information prior to design. The investigative portion would supplement the design and support the basis for the project. The additional material would introduce STEM into the project.

Rather than having students simply come up with a design, students would investigate the properties of the material that is being used incorporating their findings.

**Problems **

 One of the continuing issues within our department is the duplication of portions of the program. In several of our classes, we duplicate certain aspects of technical drawing and computer aided design. Since most of our courses do not require per-requisites, students may take our classes in any convenient order. In order to provide the best scenario for all classes, I have coordinated with department members so that concepts may be duplicated but assignments are not.

A student entering Mechanical Drawing will have an in-depth experience with technical drawing. While a student entering Computer Design will also need the basis of technical drawing, new assignments have been developed to provide a new experience. Although, we may never solve the problem of concept duplication without per-requisites we can provide a new learning experience.

In the area of Computer Aided Design, again there is a problem of duplication of knowledge. Students who take Mechanical, Computer Design and Introduction to Engineering Design previously all used AutoDesk Inventor. In an effort to eliminate this duplication, Sketch Up has been incorporated into Mechanical Drawing. The problem with Sketch Up is that it has limitations that make it difficult to properly teach a design project. Also, many students have used Sketch Up in Middle School and dislike the program due to its limitations. Introduction to Engineering Design also uses AutoCAD in the program including projects specifically oriented to Autocad's attributes. However, three-dimensional drawing is difficult due to operating systems limitations. Complex three-dimensional object regularly crash the computers.

In the future I would like to see Autodesk 123D used in Mechanical Drawing but the difficulty arises in computer space. The program is free from AutoDesk and is very similar to AutoCAD but must be downloaded onto computers. Obtaining access to these computers can be difficult without dedicated computer time. I have been using Room 621 for Sketch Up but have found competitions to secure the room.

**Successes**

I have seen an influx of repeat students in my courses. Students like the exposure to the design and the physical hands-on projects. The addition of an introduction activity has expanded the projects and enhanced the learning experience.

The introductory activity has been a great success. Providing a means for students to expand their reasoning allows for an educated design. An intellectual basis of why they believe the design will work. The Shoe design in Introduction to Technology now has STEM behind the design. The students test compression of cylinder to test weight to determine what is the best combination for a successful shoe that will hold their weight.

In the Introduction to Engineering Design, Hydroponic Project students have been testing two systems in their hydroponic. The difference in systems gives them more data about their design and what modifications can be made to increase growth. Several of the systems have had the addition to fish.The fish provide nutrients and help maintain the water system. The hydroponic systems without fish are being given commercial fertilizer. Presently, the systems with the fish are doing better than those without. The science behind nitrates and ph balance are a part of the project and part of STEM.

I would also consider the SchoolCraft club a success. The students are dedicated to their vision of what they want the club to be. I have been able to help them obtain site plans of the school grounds from Mr. Klein. Mr. Klein provided an AutoCAD file that I converted into English units for them. The students are entering the dimensions of the school into the a 3D program. They have also taken photographs of the school grounds and are using them to help detail the drawings. I do realize that it is the student's success but the majority of students in the club are former students and it provides a sense of accomplishment to see them so engaged in a design project.

Overall, I would have to say that I am most proud at the increased level of engagement the students are exhibiting. With the addition of a more in-depth curriculum students are more involved in the outcome of their design. They now have tools that they can use to develop designed that they can adjust and modify based on data that they have accumulated.