YOUNG ENGINEERS

It is Gates Intermediate School’s commitment to our children’s professional future that drove this $100,000 Engineering Lab Program. This program represents a huge technological advancement in middle school education as it introduces and simplifies college level engineering concepts delivering them to the middle school students in an effective yet enjoyable manner. This program allows students to be exposed to the fields of engineering and technology – which not only allow students to have problem-solving and analytical thinking skills but, also open doors to a diverse array of professions in these fields such as biomedical engineering, aeronautical, naval, automotive transportation, energy generation and conversion, architecture, civil, aerospace, electrical and computer engineering, meteorology, etc.

“It is the most efficient engineering program I have ever seen in my 40 years experience as an engineer and teacher.” says Shoukry Makar, the engineering lab teacher. Mr. Makar, an aeronautical engineer, not only conducted flight and airport inspection and accident investigation but also has over 40 years of teaching, training pilots and teaching younger students about the profession that he so passionate
ly enjoys. In class, Mr. Makar explains the theory and background of the concepts and then helps students in the application of the concepts through projects and activities. Projects include computer software as well as hands-on activities. The combination helps diversify the means of learning which helps students absorb the concepts in an enjoyable and efficient manner.

The program is divided into 5 modules. Seventh graders study 2 modules (Flight Technology and Virtual Architecture) while eighth graders study 3 modules (Energy & Power, Mechanisms, and Structural Engineering).

Instructional Approach

The program presents a major innovative approach to educational methodologies. It eliminated the need for a stationary blackboard and allowed the teacher to move around the class and instructs students using visual aids on their PC computers. It helps the teacher explain basic and advanced concepts, answer questions and guide students using hands-on activities on a one-to-one basis.     

Contents

Flight Technology (Grade 7)
In this unit, students:
1- Discuss the history and future of rocketry and flight systems.
2- Identify and describe the forces that affect rocket flight.
3- Identify and describe basic laws and effects of aerodynamics.
4- Identify and describe factors influencing rocket stability.
5- Assemble and safely launch a rocket.
6- Calculate the angle of trajectory and the altitude of a rocket.

Virtual Architecture (Grade 7)
In this unit, students:

1. Identify and appropriately select tools commonly used by architects, designers, and homeowners for designing structures.
2. Determine suitable replacements for a conventional residential exterior and use a computer program to apply a chosen modification
3. Rate and use systems of graphic communication and identify how CAD software fosters a common graphic language.
4. Create an original 3-D living room, bedroom, or bathroom using the database of objects.
5. Apply a variety of components of architectural 3-D modeling, visualization, and navigational tools in a problem solving experience.
6. Incorporate doors and windows into a house design that are appropriate for that house and climate.

Energy and Power (Grade 8)
In this unit, students:

1. Identify and characterize 6 main forms of energy.
2. Perform the conversion of different forms of energy into power.
3. List and describe the careers relating to energy and power.
4. Identify and appropriately use tools needed to test, disassemble, measure, and reassemble a small engine.
5. Describe the relationship of the main systems to the components of a small internal combustion engine.
6. Determine the efficiency of alternative energy sources.  

Mechanisms (grade 8)
In this unit, students:

1. Demonstrate a functional open-loop mechanical system and create a mechanical system to produce a given result.
2. Use mathematical operations to calculate mechanical advantage.
3. Demonstrate how gear ratio affects RPM; conceptualize and apply other work and power formulas.
4. Improve the efficiency of mechanical devices and mechanisms by manipulating gear ratios to control speed and RPM rates.
5. Utilize levers, pulleys, and friction-reduction devices to increase efficiency and decrease a given work load.
6. Describe how mechanical systems impact technology and society, and increase humankind’s ability to manipulate materials and manufacturing process.

Structural Engineering (Grade 8)
In this unit, students:

1. Identify and strength test different types of beams and panels used in structures.
2. Appropriately use hand-held cutting tools and safely operate a testing device.
3. Identify and classify the portion of a structure’s frame under tension, torsion, shear, and compression.
4. Demonstrate, predict, and evaluate the behavior of loaded structural systems.
5. Identify, describe, and clarify the major stresses and causes of structural failure.
6. Design and build 2 different trusses then evaluate for strength.

Assessment

• Daily 5 multiple choice questions are administered on the computer. Results of this assessment are automatically transferred to the teacher’s computer.
• A mid course exam and a final exam are administered on the computer.
• Hands-on training evaluations are done daily. 
• Journal entries on each module are reviewed.
• Critical writing essays on each module are assessed.