Introduction to Engineering Design
The foundation of the engineering sequence. We worked through the full design process — problem framing, ideation, prototyping, and iteration — on a series of increasingly complex projects. Heavy emphasis on sketching, technical drawing, and introductory Autodesk Inventor CAD.
Makerspace
Fabrication course centered around the school's makerspace. We trained on every tool in the shop — oscillating sander, band saw, drill press, laser cutter, CNC mill, and hand tools. Projects were largely for utilitarian purposes of various useful tools.
Electronics
In Electronics, I learned about the basics of various electronic components such as TIP120 transistors, 555 timers, inductors, transducers, buzzers, resistors, capacitors, LEDs, diodes, motors, button, switches, and more. Through various labs, I continually improved my skills in the field.
Mechatronics Research
For my first trimester of Mechatronics Research, I focused on finding my topic, learning about the essentials of innovation, writing a research plan, looking for conflicting patents, writing an abtract for my project, and creating an initial parts list. I settled on creating a quadrupedal robot, but for this trimester, I mainly focused on the initial research steps, and I largely started development in my second trimester of research.
Mechatronics Research
During my second trimester of research, I designed and CADed my quadrupedal robot, which I called APEX. It was a constant iterative process. Please refer to the projects page for more information about APEX.
Alternative Energy
During Alternative Energy, I developed a spinning magnet rotor generator that was connected to a wind turbine. In the end, it worked, but it could not generate very much voltage, likely due to the fact that the coils were hand-wound.
Rocketry
In Rocketry, I designed a fully custom water rocket with an optimal nose cone and fins. I used Autodesk CFD to run simulations to reduce the drag coefficient as much as possible. With simulations, I was able to get the drag coefficient down to 0.22.
Foundations of Computer Science (Java)
For three trimesters, I took Foundations of Computer Science (Java) where I learned both the basics and intermediate level of Java. I coded many labs including Plinko, Sky Intruders, and a physics simulation in the form of bouncing balls.