STEM CONNECTIONS
In the STEM Computer-Aided Design course, students discover how the four disciplines connect as they create CAD drawings, technical illustrations, designs, models, and prototypes of specific products. Once they are familiar with the CAD software, they’ll have the opportunity to design innovative solutions to real-world problems, challenges, and needs.
Science
- Material science
- Density, volume, force, and pressure
Technology
- Windows based GUI
- 2D and 3D software application
Engineering
- Design process
- Product improvement through design analysis and change implementation
- Orthographic projection concepts applied to 2D standard views and isometric views
- Effect of material properties, forces, and restraints on part behavior
Math
- Units of measurement
- Adding and subtracting material
- Perpendicularity
- X-Y-Z coordinate system
STEM COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN
The purpose of the STEM Computer-Aided Design course is to provide students the opportunity to explore innovation in product design. Students will be challenged to come up with ideas for products by taking on the role of a CAD designer.
Students must adhere to the specifications and constraints given and explore, practice, and apply the tools of the CAD software to become inventors of new product designs.
Upon completion of the STEM Computer-Aided Design course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate tools and functionality of SolidWorks
- Apply concepts of orthographic projection to 2D standard views and isometric views
- Sketch 2D drawings and bring them into the 3D space in SolidWorks
- Apply the engineering design process to develop parts and products
- Evaluate current designs and incorporate design changes that result in improved products
- Explore how material properties, forces, and restraints affect part behavior
- Design innovative solutions to real-world problems, challenges, wants, and needs
- Explore additive manufacturing and identify the different processes and machine technologies
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES*
- Multimedia Presentation
- MindSight Installation and user guide
- SolidWorks Student Edition Software**
* Although not supplied, a printer should be made available if a printout of student designs is desired.
**A 3D printer is not required for the Computer-Aided Design course; however, instructions for preparing a SolidWorks file for 3D printing is included in the Discovery section of the course.
Talk to our team about this curriculum.


