Park has a number of great programs and departments, but the engineering department is often an overlooked one. There are a number of engineering classes that students can take advantage of, such as: intro to engineering, properties of engineering (POE), digital electronics (DE), aerospace, and computer integrated manufacturing (CIM). It is important for students interested in engineering to gain prior knowledge and experience the hands-on projects that the Park as to offer.
“I would also recommend to students to take all the highly competitive career tech courses we offer,” said Ms. Mathieu, a school counselor.
Intro to engineering gives students an introduction to engineering design, applied math and science, along with hand-on projects. Students will learn how to identify and solve a variety of problems. Projects will be designed with computer aided design (CAD) software, and produced by 3d printers.
“Students gain experience with CAD softwares and the 3d printers,” said Fedorke, teacher of the introduction course.
Digital electronics encourages students to explore circuit design along with getting an introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). The class encourages students to be imaginative and use integrated circuits, PLCs, soldering equipment, and circuit design software to solve problems. The class is almost completely hands-on with many problem solving activities which require students to be creative.
“In this class, you get a sneak peek on what makes our world work from remote controls to computers to factory controllers. Anything we use that is electronic probably uses a digital electronic circuit. DE definitely leans into engineering pretty heavily, but digital electronics is even good as a hobby. The parts and tools are affordable. It is really up to your imagination with what you can do with this type of information,” said Dr. Shepard, head coach of robotics and teacher of the DE course.
POE exposes students to major engineering concepts that students need for postsecondary engineering courses. Explore mechanisms, strength of materials and structure, automation, and kinematics. Students will be asked to apply and develop secondary knowledge of math, science, and technology.
In aerospace students will explore aerospace achievements from airplanes, to satellites. The class requires students to study the physics of aviation and space through simulation and interactive activities such as, building gliders and rockets. This class is a good balance of desk work and hands-on activities, which students will use CAD software and utilize machines in the shop.
“Primarily, this class applies to any student interested in engineering. However, students who may be interested in aviation or space will find this class interesting,” said Dr. Shepard.
In CIM students will study the process of designing and manufacturing projects. Students will use, and continue to polish the CAD skills they acquired in intro to engineering, and they will utilize computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines to design and produce projects.
“CIM is an expansion of what students learned in the intro. They will continue to use the CAD software along with CNC machines to make projects of interest to the students” said Mr. Fedorke
Park’s engineering classes have seen a decline in numbers, and there are currently no students taking DE. When students get to high school, they think that colleges are only interested in numbers such as GPA and test scores, so they feel pressured to take as many weighted classes as possible. This makes students less likely to explore the engineering program. Although GPA is an important determiner of student work ethic, colleges are also looking for diversity in classes and experiences.
“In June, I spoke with a representative from Cornell’s engineering program. They look for a well-rounded candidate that has taken advantage of what Park has to offer. They look more closely at courses and activities. They don’t put as much weight on GPA and class rank, as all schools do it differently. Most high schools in the country no longer use ranking, so colleges aren’t looking at that with much weight,” said Ms. Mathieu.
Park’s engineering program gives the education and experience needed to prepare them for college. Students should try to avoid letting a slightly lower GPA deter them from gaining knowledge that goes beyond anything that can be measured in numbers.
