IMPROVE YOUR DESIGN WITH SOLIDWORKS

Nick CrowderEdit 6200Dr. Ikeson Choi

INSTRUCTIONAL PROBLEM

“Kids don’t enjoy learning CAD. They don’t see the relevance and complain when made to use it.”

Teachers in photo are L-R David Johnson, Subject Matter Expert and client, Engineering Instructor,West Forsyth High School. Jodie Marshall, client, Engineering Instructor, North Forsyth High School. Nick Crowder, Engineering Teacher client by default, Instructional Designer of this project, South Forsyth High School. Photo taken at the VEX Robotics World Championships, Orlando Florida, 2011.

ABOUT THE PROBLEM

Computer Aided Design (CAD) is a tool engineers use to design everything. It saves time, and is more accurate than hand

drawing.

To make things like thisball bearing is a commonassignment. Studentshate these types of projects.

PROBLEM--CONTINUED “Why should I design it with

SolidWorks?”

I can draw with Isometric Paper (3D) I can use Sketchup

SolidWorks is too hard

SOLUTIONEngineering students like to make things. They do not like to design things, and then not make them. They are kids and will choose the easiest way to do things and whine about having to learn.

What is needed--a lesson that has students making something they design in SolidWorks CAD Software. Something that they could improve using SolidWorks…

But What??

THE C02 CAR

A very common engineering project. Students design and build a car that runs on a canister of compressed Carbon Dioxide (C02). Aerodynamic efficiency is critical.

HOW ENGINEERS DESIGN

#7. BUILD A PROTOTYPE OR MODEL#8. REFINE THE DESIGN

The students have technical drawings complete

And now! Improve and test your design using SolidWorks CAD Software!!

https://forsyth.angellearning.com/section/default.asp?id=0708%5FCTAE%5FHighSchool

RESULTS

These twin brothers HATE SolidWorks. I did not tell them to assemble or improve the car. The first car is under assembly, the second car is being improved. Notice the next computer over is still on the ball-valve tutorial. I ask them “What are you guys making?” and they ignore me.

WEST FORSYTH STUDENTS WATCHING WIND TUNNEL VIDEO

All quiet and attentive---Gagnes Gain Attention—Discussion about the science and math involved with examples and ample time for students to share their experiences regarding aerodynamics.

TUTORIAL

Students learn about the fluid flow simulation by completing an interactive tutorial.

Videos help guide the students

EXAMPLES OF CONTENT CREATED

Using Jing Software, Videos like this one were created to guide students through A. The tutorial to use FloXpress and B. Test Cars in a Wind Tunnel.This video is an overview of the tutorial students will complete to learn about FloXpress.

PICTURE OF WIND TUNNEL VIDEO