Designing an alternative project for a product design curriculum for high school students

Abstract

An alternative curriculum is designed for Engineering the Future, a high school level engineering curriculum developed by the Boston Museum of Science. It is designed on the premise that a hands-on curriculum providing an authentic engineering experience is the best method of teaching high school level engineering. The main design challenge the students are faced with is the design and manufacturing of a unique pinhole camera for a potential business they will be starting. The design challenge takes the student through the design process from the initial concept during brainstorming to a functional prototype. During the process, the students will validate their ideas with sketch models and investigate solutions to critical issues with mockup models. Throughout the project, the students will investigate solutions with the aid of the design process and make intelligent decisions based in reason. The curriculum offers an engaging opportunity for teachers to use within their high school engineering class at the beginning phase of a yearlong class on engineering.