This course challenges students in grades 7–12 to deepen their understanding of mechanical and structural engineering while integrating concepts from electrical systems, fluid power, and chemical reactions. Through the hands-on design and construction of a chain-reaction machine, students will explore how diverse engineering systems interact in real-world applications. Expectations, assignments, and homework will be scaled by grade level.

Using the engineering design process as a foundation, students will brainstorm, prototype, test, and refine their ideas while documenting their work in an engineering journal. The course emphasizes creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication across all stages of project development.

Students will work in teams to build complex machines that incorporate a variety of systems, learning through trial, feedback, and iteration. Along the way, they will explore multiple branches of engineering and related career pathways, gaining insight into the skills and knowledge required in different fields.

The course concludes with final presentations, where students reflect on their learning, share their design process, and showcase their final chain-reaction machines.

Students will also have the opportunity to participate in the Engineering Machine Design Contest, a regional event in March and a championship in April at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where teams present their chain-reaction machines. Contest participation is optional. Parents/guardians will be responsible for associated costs and some logistics (e.g., registration, transportation, supervision). Dr. Huppert will coordinate contest information and sign-ups in September.

1. Systems Integration in Engineering. Understand how mechanical, electrical, fluid-power, and chemical systems function individually and how they can be integrated into complex engineering solutions.

2. Engineering Design Process Mastery. Apply the full engineering design process - Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, and Improve - to solve problems systematically and iteratively refine designs.

3. Creative Problem-Solving and Innovation. Use brainstorming and ideation techniques to develop innovative solutions to engineering challenges, thinking creatively and analytically.

4. Collaboration and Teamwork. Strengthen teamwork skills through shared responsibility, idea exchange, and group problem-solving in collaborative engineering projects.

5. Design Visualization and Prototyping. Develop the ability to sketch design concepts, build functional prototypes, and conduct tests to improve designs based on data and feedback.

6. Communication and Presentation Skills. Communicate design ideas clearly and effectively through written documentation, visual models, and oral presentations.

7. Exploration of Engineering Careers. Investigate various engineering career pathways, understanding the skills, knowledge, and educational opportunities aligned with each field.

1. Textbook: TBD (will be approximately $10-25)

2. (2 )spiral notebooks or composition books (1 for engineering journal, 1 for reflective journal)

3. Folder with pockets (to store handouts)

4. Pencils with erasers

5. Colored pencils or markers (for detailed sketches) - optional

6. Ruler (for sketching)

7. Heavy-duty scissors (must be able to cut cardboard)

8. Glue stick

9. Roll of masking tape

10. Roll of duct tape

11. Box or case for organizing supplies

12. Hot glue gun and glue sticks

13. Safety glasses

14. Miscellaneous household supplies and junk (varies by activity; details will be sent home with the student at the appropriate time)