Unit 8: Mechanical Engineering

Students explore the field of Mechanical Engineering: the discipline concerned with the design of systems that involve forces and movement, and utilize power to accomplish a task.  Students must work between design requirements and constraints as they complete a group project in Mechanical Engineering.

8.1 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

Students study the subspecialties of Mechanical Engineering and “a day in the life” of a mechanical engineer.

  • Lesson Plan (8.1 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering)
  • In Class
    • Assignment 8.1.1:
  • Homework
    • Assignment 8.2: Trebuchet Project Introduction
    • Links
8.2 Trebuchet Project Introduction

Students learn about the design requirements and criteria of their project for the Mechanical Engineering Unit.

  • Lesson Plan (8.2 Trebuchet Project Introduction)
  • In Class
    • Assignment 8.2.1:
  • Homework
    • Assignment 8.3:
    • Links
8.3 Autodesk Inventor Tutorial

Students learn how to draw simple shapes in Autodesk Inventor.

  • Lesson Plan (8.3 Autodesk Inventor Tutorial)
  • In Class
    • Assignment 8.3.1: Autodesk Inventor Tutorial Shape
  • Homework: Complete in class assignment if necessary
8.4 Trebuchet Simulation

Based on their understanding of the forces and motion involved in a trebuchet, work with a trebuchet simulator to optimize the performance of their trebuchet, within the project design constraints.

  • Lesson Plan (8.4 Trebuchet Simulation)
  • In Class
    • Assignment 8.4.1: Trebuchet Simulation Results
  • Homework: Complete in class assignment if necessary
8.5 Trebuchet Sketch

After learning from their simulations, students now sketch the design of their trebuchet arm.

  • Lesson Plan (8.5 Trebuchet Sketch)
  • In Class
  • Homework: Complete in class assignment if necessary
8.6 Trebuchet 3D Arm Model

Students translate the sketch of their trebuchet arm into a 3D CAD model using Inventor.

  • Lesson Plan (8.6 Trebuchet 3D Arm Model)
  • In Class
    • Assignment 8.6.1:
  • Homework
8.7 Trebuchet Assembly

Students assemble their trebuchet, using their designed arm.

  • Lesson Plan (8.7 Trebuchet Assembly)
  • In Class
    • Assignment 8.7.1:
  • Homework
    • Review for quiz
8.8 Mechanical Engineering Student Presentations

Students present their research into a technology they have chosen that is related to Mechanical Engineering.

  • Lesson Plan (8.8 Student Presentations on Mechanical Engineering Technology)
  • In Class
    • Assignment 8.8.1: Presentation Summaries
  • Homework
8.9 Trebuchet Test and Reflection

Students present their research into a technology they have chosen that is related to Chemical Engineering.

  • Lesson Plan (8.9 Trebuchet Test and Reflection)
  • In Class
    • Assignment 8.9.1: Trebuchet Testing
  • Homework
8.10 Mechanical Engineering Review and Unit Quiz

Students review for and take a quiz on the Mechanical Engineering unit.

  • Lesson Plan (8.10 Mechanical Engineering Review and Quiz)
  • In Class
    • Unit Quiz review sheet
  • Homework