Course Description
Discovering STEM is an introductory course to engineering that engages students in three main project areas: Lego Robotics, Architectural Design, and Remote Operated vehicles. The different trimester units of this class allow for students to investigate the core parts of engineering in a safe environment that allows for experimentation and troubleshooting. Students investigate the questions: How do engineers solve problems? How do engineers impact structures in our community? and How do engineers redesign and revise? Through these questions, students dive into skills such as the engineering design process, programming, technical drawings, sketching, Computer Aided Design, and 3D Printing.
Professional Models
Standards and Rubrics
Core Engineering Skills Standards
Discovering STEM Unit Standards
Habits of Professionalism Standards
- CST1: Observing in Engineering
Engineers will make observations of professional models and Engineers examples of work through the lenses of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; making observations that look in depth, recognize patterns, and use engineering notebook for gathering and recording information (research, sketches, and analysis) - CST2: Wondering in Engineering
Engineers will brainstorm all possible solutions to problems without passing judgement on those solutions. They will question every aspect of problems and look in depth for solutions to do not exist - CST3: Connecting in Engineering
Engineers will interpret new knowledge through their connections to past knowledge. Engineers will create visual depictions of brainstormed solutions, creating multiple prototypes and sketches of models through paper sketching, computer-aided design, and physical modeling - CST4: Reasoning & Interpreting in Engineering
Engineers will reason and interpret brainstormed solutions to problems through the mindset of an engineering. Looking at all solutions in depth and creating a claim through support that has concrete, unobjectionable evidence. - CST5: Innovating in Engineering
Engineers will develop unique solutions to current and future problems that challenge current solutions. Engineers will make their own end products and learn through copying. They will make their own ideas through the redesign of current solutions and always driving their own engineering design process.
Discovering STEM Unit Standards
- Lego Robotics Unit
- UST1: Brainstorming and Asking Questions
Engineers will be able to communicate as many possible ideas and questions as possible while refraining from filtering of ideas to lead towards taking risks and making imaginative designs. - UST2: Developing Solutions to Problems
Engineers will be able to develop their own solutions to almost any problem and communicate the implementation of their solutions. - UST3: Revision as a continuous Process
Engineers will be able to record multiple iterations of change and evolution of an idea through the revision process.
- UST1: Brainstorming and Asking Questions
- Architectural Design Unit
- UST4: Scaling and Modeling
Engineers will be able to take measurements from real life models and scale them from one system to another for drawing and for modeling their designs. - UST5: Sketching and Drawing
Engineers will be able to sketch up rough ideas of designs and transition those designs into technical drawings with full detail of measurements such that anyone could translate their drawings to a build. - UST6: 3D Modeling
Engineers will be able to design and build 3-dimensional models based off of technical drawings.
- UST4: Scaling and Modeling
- Density and Remote Operated Vehicles (Sea Perch) Unit
- UST7: Density Calculations
Engineers will be able to calculate and manipulate the density of objects. - UST8: Buoyancy Calculations
Engineers will be able to calculate and manipulate the buoyancy of objects. - UST9: CAD Assemblies
Engineers will be able to manipulate 3D bodies in Computer Aided Design programs to be assembled into models of real designs. - UST10: Technical Drawings and Renderings
Engineers will create technical drawings and renderings of 3D Models from CAD assemblies.
- UST7: Density Calculations
Habits of Professionalism Standards
- PST1: Habits of Work
Engineer is mostly prepared and organized for learning, but may have a lapse in work ethic. Engineers will, at times, ask questions and seek to clarify when they do not understand. Engineer meets most deadlines and attempts to produce high quality work through revisions. - PST2: Habits of Collaboration
Engineer is collaborative in most settings and shows balance in leadership and cooperation and does so in a positive manner. Engineer can distinguish between group and personal goals - PST3: Habits of Self-Discipline
Engineer displays some traits of independent learning in most settings. Engineer has ability to set goals and utilize studio time to accomplish tasks for completion. Engineer exhibits sustained focus and persistence in most situations. Engineer understands consequences due to his/her choices and actions. - PST4: Habits of Communication
Engineer is able to use effective communication through demonstration of disciplinary language. Engineer is able to convey ideas, provide feedback, and synthesize professional models through their own voice and reasoning. Engineer has a voice in group discussions and workshops. Engineer often listens respectfully. - PST5: Habits of Learning
Engineer is able to demonstrate a growth mindset approach to self-assessment and feedback. Engineer is often open to suggestions. Engineer is reflective through a journaling and conferencing process. Engineer demonstrates knowledge and application of some disciplinary language.