Preface

Each time that you solve a problem, a design process is used. Some processes are as simple as realizing that you are hungry for something new and then designing a new combination of foods. Process can be as complex as designing a clean water solution for a village in an emerging nation. The design process (i.e., method to solve a problem or create a new product) is a cornerstone of all engineering professions.

This unit provides a foundation for engineering knowledge and professional practices that will be used through this and other pathway to engineering courses and throughout a student’s career. Students will develop skills such as concept sketching, setting up, and maintaining an engineering notebook and portfolio.

Engineering is a professional practice that has evolved through centuries of experience. Learning concepts and practicing skills in this course will provide a foundation for a lifelong engineering career.

Unit 1 provides an overview of the engineering design process and an introduction to the purpose and practice of modeling in engineering communication.

In Lesson 1.1 Design Basics, you explore the engineering design process and apply your knowledge and skills to collaboratively design a carnival game.
In Lesson 1.2 Visualization and Solid Modeling, you build your spatial visualization skills and explore the role of modeling as a means to represent and communicate ideas.
In Lesson 1.3 CAD Fundamentals, you focus on building your CAD skills, learning the importance of precision measurement and using statistics to quantify the precision and accuracy of measurements and of measuring tools.
In Lesson 1.4 Product Improvement, you apply the design process and the skills and knowledge you gained in this unit to evaluate and improve a consumer product design to meet stakeholder needs.