Monday, September 22, 2025

Curriculum - Introduction to Engineering Design

 

Here is a student-centered curriculum for a full-year high school course titled "Introduction to Engineering Design", tailored for grades 10–12 in New York State. It integrates:

:

  • New York State MST Standards

  • Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

  • 5E Instructional Model

  • Understanding by Design (UbD)


Course Overview

Title: Introduction to Engineering Design
Grade Levels: 10–12
Duration: 160 school days (~32 weeks)
Standards Alignment: NYS MST Standards, NGSS HS-ETS1, ITEEA STEL [Learning S...Department], [HS.Enginee...Standards], [High Schoo...-12 | PLTW]


Course Goals (UbD Stage 1: Desired Results)

Enduring Understandings

Students will understand:

  • The engineering design process is iterative and solution-focused.

  • Design decisions impact society, the environment, and economics.

  • Collaboration and communication are essential in engineering.

Essential Questions

  • How do engineers solve real-world problems?

  • What makes a design effective or innovative?

  • How can design improve lives?

Transfer Goals

Students will be able to:

  • Apply the design process to solve authentic problems.

  • Communicate technical ideas effectively.

  • Use feedback to improve designs.


Curriculum Structure (Organized by 5E Model)

Each unit follows the 5E Model: Engage → Explore → Explain → Elaborate → Evaluate
Each phase includes UDL principles: multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression. [Universal...aching Hub]


Unit 1: Foundations of Engineering Design (Weeks 1–4)

Concepts: Design thinking, problem-solving, ethics
Skills: Brainstorming, sketching, teamwork

  • Engage: Analyze a local problem (e.g., Bronx traffic flow or school recycling).

  • Explore: Investigate design failures and successes.

  • Explain: Introduce the engineering design cycle.

  • Elaborate: Create a simple redesign of a common object.

  • Evaluate: Peer review and self-reflection.

UDL: Visual diagrams, audio explanations, hands-on modeling
Assessment: Design journal, group presentation


Unit 2: Materials and Structures (Weeks 5–8)

Concepts: Properties of materials, structural integrity
Skills: Testing, data collection, CAD basics

  • Engage: Watch bridge collapse videos and discuss causes.

  • Explore: Test materials for strength and flexibility.

  • Explain: Learn about load, stress, and strain.

  • Elaborate: Build and test model bridges.

  • Evaluate: Present findings and reflect on design choices.

UDL: Scaffolded lab instructions, tactile models, video tutorials
Assessment: Lab report, bridge competition


Unit 3: Mechanisms and Motion (Weeks 9–12)

Concepts: Simple machines, mechanical advantage
Skills: Prototyping, measurement, iteration

  • Engage: Explore Rube Goldberg machines.

  • Explore: Build simple machines and measure output.

  • Explain: Discuss force, torque, and efficiency.

  • Elaborate: Design a compound machine to solve a task.

  • Evaluate: Demonstrate and explain machine function.

UDL: Interactive simulations, choice of build materials
Assessment: Machine demo, design portfolio


Unit 4: Electronics and Programming (Weeks 13–16)

Concepts: Circuits, sensors, basic coding
Skills: Wiring, debugging, logic flow

  • Engage: Explore smart devices and automation.

  • Explore: Build basic circuits with breadboards.

  • Explain: Learn logic gates and microcontroller basics.

  • Elaborate: Program a sensor-based device (e.g., light alarm).

  • Evaluate: Peer testing and code review.

UDL: Block-based coding options, audio instructions
Assessment: Functional prototype, code documentation


Unit 5: Sustainable Design (Weeks 17–20)

Concepts: Environmental impact, life cycle analysis
Skills: Research, redesign, presentation

  • Engage: Investigate local environmental challenges.

  • Explore: Analyze product life cycles.

  • Explain: Learn sustainable design principles.

  • Elaborate: Redesign a product to be eco-friendly.

  • Evaluate: Present redesign with justification.

UDL: Infographics, oral presentations, written reports
Assessment: Sustainability pitch, redesign sketches


Unit 6: Capstone Project (Weeks 21–32)

Concepts: Integration of all prior learning
Skills: Project management, documentation, public speaking

  • Engage: Identify a community-based problem.

  • Explore: Research stakeholders and constraints.

  • Explain: Develop design criteria and constraints.

  • Elaborate: Build and iterate on a solution.

  • Evaluate: Present to a panel (teachers, peers, community)

UDL: Choice in project format, flexible timelines, peer coaching
Assessment: Final product, engineering notebook, presentation


Differentiation & UDL Integration

  • Multiple Means of Engagement: Choice-based projects, real-world relevance

  • Multiple Means of Representation: Diagrams, videos, simulations, readings

  • Multiple Means of Action & Expression: Sketches, models, presentations, written reflections


Assessment (UbD Stage 2)

  • Formative: Journals, peer feedback, quizzes

  • Summative: Design portfolios, prototypes, presentations

  • Self-Assessment: Reflection prompts, rubrics, goal-setting


Lessons Breakdown:


Day Unit Lesson Number Lesson Title
001 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 001 Introduction to Engineering and Design Thinking
002 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 002 Overview of the Engineering Design Process
003 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 003 Identifying Problems and Needs
004 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 004 Brainstorming Techniques
005 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 005 Sketching and Concept Development
006 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 006 Team Collaboration and Communication
007 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 007 Ethics in Engineering
008 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 008 Using Engineering Notebooks
009 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 009 Understanding Constraints and Criteria
010 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 010 Designing for End Users
011 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 011 Prototyping Basics
012 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 012 Feedback and Iteration
013 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 013 Design Challenge: Redesign a Common Object
014 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 014 Presentation Skills for Engineers
015 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 015 Introduction to Technical Drawing
016 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 016 Using Measurement Tools
017 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 017 Safety in the Engineering Lab
018 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 018 Mini Project: Design a Toy
019 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 019 Peer Review and Reflection
020 Foundations of Engineering Design Lesson 020 Unit Wrap-Up and Assessment
021 Materials and Structures Lesson 021 Introduction to Materials Science
022 Materials and Structures Lesson 022 Properties of Engineering Materials
023 Materials and Structures Lesson 023 Material Selection for Design
024 Materials and Structures Lesson 024 Testing Material Strength
025 Materials and Structures Lesson 025 Stress and Strain Concepts
026 Materials and Structures Lesson 026 Types of Loads and Forces
027 Materials and Structures Lesson 027 Structural Design Principles
028 Materials and Structures Lesson 028 Bridge Design Basics
029 Materials and Structures Lesson 029 Build and Test a Model Bridge
030 Materials and Structures Lesson 030 Failure Analysis
031 Materials and Structures Lesson 031 Introduction to Trusses
032 Materials and Structures Lesson 032 Load Distribution in Structures
033 Materials and Structures Lesson 033 Using CAD for Structural Design
034 Materials and Structures Lesson 034 Material Sustainability
035 Materials and Structures Lesson 035 Design Challenge: Lightweight Structure
036 Materials and Structures Lesson 036 Comparing Natural vs. Synthetic Materials
037 Materials and Structures Lesson 037 Mini Project: Shelter Design
038 Materials and Structures Lesson 038 Team Presentations
039 Materials and Structures Lesson 039 Reflection and Peer Feedback
040 Materials and Structures Lesson 040 Unit Wrap-Up and Assessment
041 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 041 Introduction to Simple Machines
042 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 042 Mechanical Advantage and Efficiency
043 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 043 Levers and Pulleys
044 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 044 Inclined Planes and Screws
045 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 045 Gears and Gear Ratios
046 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 046 Linkages and Cams
047 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 047 Motion Types and Control
048 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 048 Designing Mechanical Systems
049 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 049 Build a Compound Machine
050 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 050 Testing and Troubleshooting
051 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 051 Kinematics in Engineering
052 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 052 Using CAD for Mechanisms
053 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 053 Design Challenge: Rube Goldberg Machine
054 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 054 Energy Transfer in Mechanical Systems
055 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 055 Mini Project: Automated Device
056 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 056 Team Collaboration and Roles
057 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 057 Presentation of Mechanical Designs
058 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 058 Peer Review and Iteration
059 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 059 Reflection and Journaling
060 Mechanisms and Motion Lesson 060 Unit Wrap-Up and Assessment
061 Electronics and Programming Lesson 061 Introduction to Electrical Circuits
062 Electronics and Programming Lesson 062 Components: Resistors, LEDs, Capacitors
063 Electronics and Programming Lesson 063 Breadboarding Basics
064 Electronics and Programming Lesson 064 Series and Parallel Circuits
065 Electronics and Programming Lesson 065 Using Multimeters
066 Electronics and Programming Lesson 066 Introduction to Microcontrollers
067 Electronics and Programming Lesson 067 Programming Basics with Arduino
068 Electronics and Programming Lesson 068 Digital vs. Analog Signals
069 Electronics and Programming Lesson 069 Sensor Integration
070 Electronics and Programming Lesson 070 Build a Light Sensor Circuit
071 Electronics and Programming Lesson 071 Debugging Techniques
072 Electronics and Programming Lesson 072 Using Conditional Logic
073 Electronics and Programming Lesson 073 Design Challenge: Automated Alarm
074 Electronics and Programming Lesson 074 Wireless Communication Basics
075 Electronics and Programming Lesson 075 Mini Project: Smart Device
076 Electronics and Programming Lesson 076 Team Coding Sessions
077 Electronics and Programming Lesson 077 Presentation of Electronic Projects
078 Electronics and Programming Lesson 078 Peer Testing and Feedback
079 Electronics and Programming Lesson 079 Reflection and Documentation
080 Electronics and Programming Lesson 080 Unit Wrap-Up and Assessment
081 Sustainable Design Lesson 081 Introduction to Sustainability in Engineering
082 Sustainable Design Lesson 082 Environmental Impact of Materials
083 Sustainable Design Lesson 083 Life Cycle Analysis
084 Sustainable Design Lesson 084 Designing for Energy Efficiency
085 Sustainable Design Lesson 085 Water Conservation Technologies
086 Sustainable Design Lesson 086 Renewable Energy Systems
087 Sustainable Design Lesson 087 Green Building Principles
088 Sustainable Design Lesson 088 Design Challenge: Eco-Friendly Product
089 Sustainable Design Lesson 089 Material Reuse and Recycling
090 Sustainable Design Lesson 090 Carbon Footprint Calculations
091 Sustainable Design Lesson 091 Social Responsibility in Design
092 Sustainable Design Lesson 092 Systems Thinking
093 Sustainable Design Lesson 093 Designing for Accessibility
094 Sustainable Design Lesson 094 Mini Project: Sustainable Packaging
095 Sustainable Design Lesson 095 Team Research Presentations
096 Sustainable Design Lesson 096 Ethical Decision Making
097 Sustainable Design Lesson 097 Reflection on Global Challenges
098 Sustainable Design Lesson 098 Peer Review and Feedback
099 Sustainable Design Lesson 099 Final Sustainable Design Showcase
100 Sustainable Design Lesson 100 Unit Wrap-Up and Assessment
101 Capstone Project Lesson 101 Capstone Project Day 1: Project Work and Review
102 Capstone Project Lesson 102 Capstone Project Day 2: Project Work and Review
103 Capstone Project Lesson 103 Capstone Project Day 3: Project Work and Review
104 Capstone Project Lesson 104 Capstone Project Day 4: Project Work and Review
105 Capstone Project Lesson 105 Capstone Project Day 5: Project Work and Review
106 Capstone Project Lesson 106 Capstone Project Day 6: Project Work and Review
107 Capstone Project Lesson 107 Capstone Project Day 7: Project Work and Review
108 Capstone Project Lesson 108 Capstone Project Day 8: Project Work and Review
109 Capstone Project Lesson 109 Capstone Project Day 9: Project Work and Review
110 Capstone Project Lesson 110 Capstone Project Day 10: Project Work and Review
111 Capstone Project Lesson 111 Capstone Project Day 11: Project Work and Review
112 Capstone Project Lesson 112 Capstone Project Day 12: Project Work and Review
113 Capstone Project Lesson 113 Capstone Project Day 13: Project Work and Review
114 Capstone Project Lesson 114 Capstone Project Day 14: Project Work and Review
115 Capstone Project Lesson 115 Capstone Project Day 15: Project Work and Review
116 Capstone Project Lesson 116 Capstone Project Day 16: Project Work and Review
117 Capstone Project Lesson 117 Capstone Project Day 17: Project Work and Review
118 Capstone Project Lesson 118 Capstone Project Day 18: Project Work and Review
119 Capstone Project Lesson 119 Capstone Project Day 19: Project Work and Review
120 Capstone Project Lesson 120 Capstone Project Day 20: Project Work and Review
121 Capstone Project Lesson 121 Capstone Project Day 21: Project Work and Review
122 Capstone Project Lesson 122 Capstone Project Day 22: Project Work and Review
123 Capstone Project Lesson 123 Capstone Project Day 23: Project Work and Review
124 Capstone Project Lesson 124 Capstone Project Day 24: Project Work and Review
125 Capstone Project Lesson 125 Capstone Project Day 25: Project Work and Review
126 Capstone Project Lesson 126 Capstone Project Day 26: Project Work and Review
127 Capstone Project Lesson 127 Capstone Project Day 27: Project Work and Review
128 Capstone Project Lesson 128 Capstone Project Day 28: Project Work and Review
129 Capstone Project Lesson 129 Capstone Project Day 29: Project Work and Review
130 Capstone Project Lesson 130 Capstone Project Day 30: Project Work and Review
131 Capstone Project Lesson 131 Capstone Project Day 31: Project Work and Review
132 Capstone Project Lesson 132 Capstone Project Day 32: Project Work and Review
133 Capstone Project Lesson 133 Capstone Project Day 33: Project Work and Review
134 Capstone Project Lesson 134 Capstone Project Day 34: Project Work and Review
135 Capstone Project Lesson 135 Capstone Project Day 35: Project Work and Review
136 Capstone Project Lesson 136 Capstone Project Day 36: Project Work and Review
137 Capstone Project Lesson 137 Capstone Project Day 37: Project Work and Review
138 Capstone Project Lesson 138 Capstone Project Day 38: Project Work and Review
139 Capstone Project Lesson 139 Capstone Project Day 39: Project Work and Review
140 Capstone Project Lesson 140 Capstone Project Day 40: Project Work and Review
141 Capstone Project Lesson 141 Capstone Project Day 41: Project Work and Review
142 Capstone Project Lesson 142 Capstone Project Day 42: Project Work and Review
143 Capstone Project Lesson 143 Capstone Project Day 43: Project Work and Review
144 Capstone Project Lesson 144 Capstone Project Day 44: Project Work and Review
145 Capstone Project Lesson 145 Capstone Project Day 45: Project Work and Review
146 Capstone Project Lesson 146 Capstone Project Day 46: Project Work and Review
147 Capstone Project Lesson 147 Capstone Project Day 47: Project Work and Review
148 Capstone Project Lesson 148 Capstone Project Day 48: Project Work and Review
149 Capstone Project Lesson 149 Capstone Project Day 49: Project Work and Review
150 Capstone Project Lesson 150 Capstone Project Day 50: Project Work and Review
151 Capstone Project Lesson 151 Capstone Project Day 51: Project Work and Review
152 Capstone Project Lesson 152 Capstone Project Day 52: Project Work and Review
153 Capstone Project Lesson 153 Capstone Project Day 53: Project Work and Review
154 Capstone Project Lesson 154 Capstone Project Day 54: Project Work and Review
155 Capstone Project Lesson 155 Capstone Project Day 55: Project Work and Review
156 Capstone Project Lesson 156 Capstone Project Day 56: Project Work and Review
157 Capstone Project Lesson 157 Capstone Project Day 57: Project Work and Review
158 Capstone Project Lesson 158 Capstone Project Day 58: Project Work and Review
159 Capstone Project Lesson 159 Capstone Project Day 59: Project Work and Review
160 Capstone Project Lesson 160 Capstone Project Day 60: Project Work and Review


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