The past year in our Introduction to Engineering Design class has been marked by innovation, hands-on experiences, and invaluable industry connections. One of the highlights of our year was the creation of carnival games that were played at the homecoming street party. Through collaborative teamwork and inventive thinking, our students designed and built engaging games that brought joy and excitement to the festivities. 

In addition to our creative endeavors, our class embarked on two enriching field trips that broadened our horizons and exposed us to real-world engineering opportunities. Our first excursion led us to the EFCO Concrete Institute, where we gained insights into the world of CAD design and its applications in the concrete industry. Our second field trip took us to Iowa State University, where we had the privilege of touring their esteemed Industrial Technology department. This immersive experience provided a glimpse into advanced technologies, innovative research, and career pathways within the industrial engineering domain. 

Furthermore, we were honored to host Materials Science Engineering students who conducted captivating demos for our class. These interactive sessions not only expanded our understanding of materials science but also sparked curiosity and creativity among our students. Finally, one of our students, Carly Getter, has been selected to attend a week long summit at Milwaukee School of Engineering this summer. She will get a hands-on experience of the different engineering majors the school offers and will be able to select the one that most interests her.

The projects, field trips, and guest demonstrations have not only enhanced our technical competencies but also nurtured a passion for problem-solving and creativity. We are excited to continue this journey of exploration and discovery, empowering future engineers to make a lasting impact in the world of engineering and technology.

Many thanks to UHS Math and Engineering Design Teacher Sarah Jacques for sharing this article. If you’d like to learn more about Engineering at UHS, please contact Sarah at jacquess@urbandaleschools.com

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