Download the Complete Paper as a PDF file to view alignment to national standards, learning objectives, assignments, oral presentations, and daily operational guidelines.

Developed by:
Linda G. Hanks
Roanoke Valley Governor's School
Roanoke, VA

Introduction:
The Roanoke Valley Governor's School for Science and Technology is a member of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools in Mathematics, Science, and Technology (NCSSSMST).  Ours is a competitive admissions program in which students attend Governor's School for half of the school day to take accelerated and unique courses in mathematics, science, and technology.  This program allows gifted students to take rigorous courses that challenge them to go beyond traditional modes of teaching and learning. This course is one of many that infuse new science and emerging technologies into the curriculum. Product Design Engineering is a technology elective.  Students meet every Tuesday, beginning in the middle of the third trimester planning and preparing for the opening of the following school year. The process continues in the fall until the end of the first trimester during which students begin a research intersession allowing for full-time, focused research. The course continues until the middle of the third trimester.

There are numerous handouts, referenced with an *, that are not included in this paper but may be accessed through the Governor's School web site. 

Learning Objectives:

• To experience the meaning of engineering as a profession, including economic, entrepreneurial opportunities, and social relationships.
• To integrate the processes required to design, build and test an engineering product.
• To integrate and reinforce mathematics, computer applications, science, technical writing, and speaking skills
• by solving complex hypothetical and actual problems.
• To apply creative thinking and problem solving techniques.
• To develop basic skills in the proper use of technologies, tools, machines, and related processes.

Getting Started:
For approximately six weeks, students meet weekly for instruction and introductory work on their projects. Students are asked to form teams or "companies" of three and are instructed on the problem-solving process.  They are taught brainstorming strategies to respond to a "Request for Proposal"* outlining the need and seeking creative solutions, then, using a decision matrix, students determine the best solution to the problem of choice.   Once students have decided on a solution and thus the product, students assign themselves one or more of the following positions; Chief Engineer, Project Manager, Quality Control engineer, and Business Administrator.  Each position has explicit responsibilities. The Project Manager oversees the preparation of the written proposal according to the established guidelines, all oral presentations, the preparation of the final report according to the established guidelines, the preparation of the "Weekly Plans"* and "Behind the Scenes"*, the maintenance of three copies of all computer work, and that all assignments are on time.  The Chief Engineer coordinates all work required for successful construction and testing of the prototype device.  The Quality Control Engineer insures that any oral presentations or proposals/reports meet established guidelines and the prototype meets established specifications, maintains the company portfolio, and oversees the creation of the project display and the company webpage.  The Business Administrator assures that the prototype meets budget, all receipts are submitted, the estimated and actual cost analyses are complete, accurate, and updated on a timely basis, and the profit analysis is complete.

The Written Proposal:
At this time, students are ready to begin working on the written proposal.  Each student is asked to complete a summer assignment that will be incorporated into the team's introduction to the written proposal.  Once the proposal is completed, students present it orally to a panel of engineers and product designers. Students return in the fall ready to compile their summer assignments.  The summer assignment that students receive is as follows:
"Your objective is to thoroughly research the area related to your anticipated problem/product and to complete a partial draft document that can be incorporated into the introduction of your company's written proposal. Your complete written proposal will be due for an early October elective class meeting in Trimester 1." 

Alignment of Learning Objectives with National Standards:
The full project PDF file includes alignment to national standards, learning objectives, assignments, oral presentations, and daily operational guidelines.

Conclusion:
Product Design Engineering continues to be a very popular elective for the students at the Governor's School.  Student requests for the course outstrip our resources to provide all comers with the experience. The products range from floating eyeglasses to a lawnmower/trimmer combination to a doormat that turns on a light in a room upon entrance and turns it off upon exit.  Students are engaged, enthusiastic, and extremely proud of their designs and products.  Several have been encouraged to actually pursue having their products patented.  Several groups have won the National Inventive and Creative Association awards. Since the students must meet the same requirements regardless of the product, everyone feels the excitement of the engineering experience and the satisfaction of seeing the projects manifest from an idea into reality. 

Contact Information:
Linda G. Hanks
Product Design Engineering
Roanoke Valley Governor's School
Roanoke, VA
E-mail: lhanks@rvgs.k12.va.us