Middle school

Middle School - Honors Academy Design Thinking Part 1

Grades 6th - 8th  | Online, synchronous | 12 Weeks

Middle School Apply by Oct 28

Course Description:

  • Time: Tuesdays 4:30-6:00 PM EST
  • Dates: Nov 4,11,18,25 | Dec 2,9,16,23 | Jan 6,13,20,27
  • Instructor: Chris Anderson
  • Cost: $1395  |  Early $1245 (by 15 Oct)
  • Seats: 25 Students 
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This course introduces students to the foundations of engineering design and technological literacy through authentic, hands-on experiences. Beginning with divergent thinking exercises and an exploration of the nature of technology, students will investigate how innovation emerges at the intersection of creativity, collaboration, and systems thinking.

Throughout the course, students will engage in design challenges that emphasize empathy, optimism, and ethics as essential engineering habits of mind. They will practice analyzing technologies, developing design briefs from real-world problems, and applying brainstorming and iteration strategies to refine solutions.

Alongside project work, students will learn to effectively utilize engineering drawing, from isometric and orthographic sketching to computer-aided design (CAD) applications. The course culminates in the creation of a digital portfolio that documents students’ design process, technical skills, and innovative problem-solving approaches.

By the end of the course, students will not only understand the nature of technology but also see themselves as capable designers, equipped with the creative tools and habits necessary to shape solutions for the future.

 

 Requirements:

Computer with internet access for running free Zoom software

Parent email account

Webcam, Headphones (built-in on computer, or external)

General Supplies: Scissors, Pencils, Colored Pencil Set, Tape, Glue

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week 1 – Foundations of Design & Technology
  • Divergent Thinking Exercises
  • Defining Design, Technology & Engineering
Week 2 – Exploring Technology & Creative Mindsets
  • The Nature of Technology (a taxonomy)
  • Innovative Device Design Challenge
  • Engineering Habits of Mind
    1. Creativity
    2. Communication
    3. Collaboration
Week 3 – Technology, Ethics & Systems Thinking
  • Technological Analysis of a Product
  • Engineering Habits of Mind (continued)
    1. Systems Thinking
    2. Optimism
    3. Attention to Ethics
Week 4 – Design Process & Empathy in Engineering
  • Design Process Steps, Engineering Notebook Documentation
  • Innovative Device Design Challenge - Designing with Empathy
  • The Nature of Technology (a taxonomy)
Week 5 – From Problems to Design Briefs
  • Synthesizing Real-World Problems into a Design Brief
  • Lab: Edible Color Theory
Week 6 – Brainstorming & Ideation Tools
  • Best Practices for Brainstorming;
  • Demo Lesson: Morphologic Charts 
Week 7-8 – Engineering Drawing Skills
  • Engineering Drawing Demo Lessons & Guided Practice
    1. Isometric (3D) Sketching
    2. Orthographic Projections (2D - Multiview)
Week 9 – Introduction to CAD/CAM
  • Introduction to CAD/CAM Software and Applications
  • CAD Guided Practice
Week 10 – 3D Printing & New Design Challenge
  • 3D Printing Options
  • Design Challenge #2
Week 11 – Prototyping in Action
Open Lab: Design Challenge Prototyping
Week 12 – Final Presentations & Portfolios
Presentations:  Digital Course Portfolio