Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) (PLTW2000)

Grades 9-12. Year-long. Weighted grade. Prerequisite is Algebra I, enrolled concurrently in Geometry (or higher) and appropriate grade-level science.

This course emphasizes the development of a design. Students use computer software to produce, analyze and evaluate models of project solutions. They study the design concepts of form and function, then use state of the art technology to translate conceptual design into reproducible products. This course teaches students to:
      - Understand and apply the design process to solve various problems in a team setting
      - Apply adaptive design concepts in developing sketches, features, parts and assemblies
      - Interpret their own sketches in using computer software to design models
      - Understand mass property calculations-such as volume, density, mass, surface area, moment of inertia, product of inertia, radii of gyration, principal axis and principle moments-and how they are used to evaluate a parametric model 
      - Understand cost analysis, quality control, staffing needs, packing and product marketing 
      - Explore career opportunities in design engineering and understand what skills and education these jobs require 
      - Develop portfolios to display their designs and present them properly to peers, instructors and professionals.