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Engineered for Success

Engineering teacher Scott Davis involves his class in different facets of engineering. “It is a hands-on experience,” said Davis. “We want to understand the design of things and have a practical understanding of how it interacts with its environment and the operators who maintain the machines. Those who know the details will be far better at their jobs because they understand the human interaction with the machines.”

“I’m shop stuff,” said senior Matthew Wolfe. “That is my thing.” He explained how the class learned how to safely use basic power tools. After safety training, students practice using a planer, compound miter saw, table saw, drill presses, scroll saw, band saw, and router. Next semester, they will begin building projects. 

Some students are working on a robot for the class or as a member of the robotics team. They are building and assembling a robot for competition. “We design pieces if needed, code the robot, and program it to complete certain tasks. We have it pick up a pixel – a hexagonal piece of plastic,” said senior Joseph McGahee. “I am designing the 3D printable parts for the robot. I have an idea, put it into a sketch, and bring it to a 3D model. I prepare it for the printer and then print it. 

Other students work on wiring. “I took this class because I wanted to learn how to wire,” said senior Caden Walker. “I am taking out the old battery of the hoverboard and replacing it. I am also fixing the wiring inside to help it function properly.”

For Davis, his students need to know more than just how to design buildings, computers, and robots but also how to work with and build them. “I am big on having them build and problem solve. For example, we learn the limitations on how to turn a bolt and a nut in certain spaces," said Davis. “It is vertical alignment – everyone is involved in building something throughout the iterative process from concept to product.”