Design & EngineerinG

One-Week Summer Engineering Program

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Students will be introduced to the Engineering Design Process through the design and fabrication of a small scale 3D printed race car. Research on aerodynamics and car design will inform each student’s car design as they fabricate, test and evaluate prototypes for a CO2 powered race car.

Students will be introduced to both hand and digital fabrication processes including the application of 3D modeling software to 3D printing.

Testing of final prototypes will culminate in an actual head to head race competition.

Perfect program for those thinking about engineering school and those who wouldn’t necessarily take a traditional engineering program.

This one-week summer program is designed for teens interested in design & engineering.

engineering.

Note: this page represents our best expectations for the program we will deliver, but is subject to change. We will update this page as new information becomes available.

Interested in our three-week programs? Take a look at Engineering Research or Electronics & Robotics.

SUMMER 2024 DATES

Session 1: July 15 – 19, 2024 | Gann/Bentley, Waltham

Session 2: July 22 – 26, 2024 | Olin/Wellesley

Session 3: July 29 – August 2, 2024 | Gann/Bentley, Waltham

More About: Awards – Research Programs – Sample Week

New 2024 programs and dates will be announced soon! Join

our mailing list to be the first to know.

Students used digital modeling on the computer, as well as hand sketches, to develop multiple iterations of their designs. They evaluated and re-designed their prototypes employing grids and stencils. Each student chose their best rendition and turned it into a 3D plan. The body of the car was created using a 3D printer. Wheels were attached and final modifications were made by hand. Printed race cars were powered by CO2 cartridges. Student creations competed in head-to-head competition on a 65 foot, specially made race track.

Engineers may explore materials that can be used in athletic wear that protect against rips, tears, that wick moisture. They may use 3D printers to create trendy athletic or camping gear, new heels for shoes, and much more. They may develop sensors that can be manipulated into clothing for biofeedback and explore explore metals, textiles, and plastics to create that perfect look or function.

Instructor: Dr. Ben Matteson

Dr. Matteson earned his Ph.D. in History and Theory of Architecture from MIT after earning his Master’s in Architecture and Urban Design from Harvard. He has taught Architecture and Design Theory at Northeastern University and Massachusetts College of Art and Design and is now an Engineering instructor.

Student Comments

“The teacher provided great information while giving us good feedback. The course on making a race car was really cool and I liked how we simulated steps that engineers also take.”

“I liked the idea of the program. My favorite part was the styrofoam prototypes. Additionally the app we used was cool to learn about. I enjoyed making new friends and learning to 3D print.”

“I thought it was fun to create something digitally rather than have it be printed. All of the Engineering and Design process steps were fun to go through. In the end having a real, tangible object to bring home that I know I created was cool.”

“The foam prototypes and designing 3D printing was fun. The teacher was good at helping us with stuff when we were stuck and give us suggestions when we were designing.”

“Mr. Gurner was always willing to help anyone with their project. We used the engineering design process to create CO2 powered cars and created designs and 3D printed them.”

Our Programs are Featured on the National Association for Gifted Children Website

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