Engineering Essentials: Think It. Design It. Solve It.
What if you could turn your ideas into solutions to real-world problems? That's what students are discovering in PCA's new Engineering Essentials course!
During our first quarter, students completed three major design projects that challenged them to think critically, communicate effectively, and approach problems from an engineering perspective. They researched global challenges and proposed solutions, explored how engineers define problems and evaluate designs through testing and improvement, and designed emergency supply packages for disaster situations. For their final project of the quarter, teams considered materials, durability, organization, and usability before presenting their designs and explaining the reasoning behind their choices.
Along the way, students developed skills in research, systems thinking, ethical decision-making, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. These skills extend far beyond engineering and will benefit students in virtually any future career.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Students also have opportunities to participate in extracurricular STEM activities, including hands-on workshops through the College of Charleston's Innovation Academy. We will continue sharing opportunities throughout the year for students to explore new interests and connect classroom learning with the real world.
Could Engineering Essentials Be for You?
You don't have to plan on becoming an engineer! If you enjoy solving problems, exploring new ideas, working with others, or figuring out how things work, this course may be a great fit. Students who have successfully completed Geometry are eligible to enroll next school year. Talk with Mr. Wright to learn more!