Systems and Project Engineering

Location

Junior and senior-level academy courses are taught at the ARL.

Summary

Students in this academy will focus on technical concepts including mechanical drawing, practical fabrication, electronics, mechanics, data acquisition, and analysis. Students will follow the engineering design process to work in teams to design, build, and test a single passenger electrically powered racecar or all-terrain wheelchair. Students will use computer-based design and modeling software when appropriate. Students will also learn practical fabrication skills, such as basic MIG welding and machining as necessary, to construct their portion of the experimental vehicle. Initially, vehicle prototypes will be tested and benchmarked through data collection.

Recommended Electives

Students planning to attend a four-year postsecondary institution are advised to take at least two years of World Language.

Prerequisites

  • Foundations of Technology, Engineering Design or Introduction to Engineering Design.

Successful Academy Students

  • Maintain a C average in all academy coursework.
  • Complete senior level coursework through a work-site experience (students must provide their own transportation) OR by participating in the on-campus (ARL) course of advanced skills, which includes a capstone project.

Courses

Shaded areas designate completer coursework.

  • Systems Management Solutions G/T 860M (11th, 2 periods)

  • Systems Engineering Innovation G/T 864M (12th, 3 periods)

Senior Level Coursework Requirements

  • Complete at least 6–8 hours of work-site experience per week OR daily attendance at the Applications and Research Lab.

  • Attend weekly senior seminars at the Applications and Research Lab.

  • Choose a “real world” problem to research.

  • Write and submit a research proposal, abstract, and reflection paper based on research.

  • Maintain and submit a journal and portfolio of senior work.

  • Present a culminating multimedia presentation for the final grade.

College Credit

Students who successfully complete the Systems and Project Engineering Academy program sequence, with a grade of B or higher in academy courses, may be eligible for credits at Howard Community College.

Sample Career Options

< 4-year Degree

  • Draftsperson/CAD Operator

  • Electrician

  • Equipment Operator

  • Laboratory Technician

  • Machinist/Tool and Die Maker

4-year Degree

  • Aerospace Engineer

  • Design Engineer

  • Electrical Engineer

  • Mechanical Engineer

> 4-year Degree

  • Materials Scientist

  • Physicist

  • Quality Engineer

  • Systems Designer/Engineer

  • Program Managers/Test Engineer