Design & EngineerinG

One-Week Summer Engineering Program

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.

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

Session 1: June 22nd – 26th, 2026
Gann/Bentley | Waltham, MA

Session 2: July 20th – 24th 2026
Gann/Bentley | Waltham, MA

Session 3: August 3rd – 7th 2026
Greater Wellesley, MA

More About: Awards – Research Programs – Sample Week

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.

Past Instructor: Charlie Mahoney

Charlie Mahoney graduated with a degree in Technology & Engineering Education. He has teaching experience at two of the highest-ranking schools in Massachusetts. He has been a teacher’s assistant for our three-week Applied Physics & Engineering program for the past three years, as well as for our three-week Engineering Research program last summer. Charlie has extensive hands-on building and engineering experience including blacksmithing, boat building, and woodworking.

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.”

Note: This page represents our best expectations for the program. Activities and instructors are subject to change. In such cases, similar activities and a comparably qualified instructor will be sought.

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

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Design & EngineerinG

Session 1: June 22nd – 26th, 2026Gann/Bentley | Waltham, MA

Session 2: July 20th – 24th 2026Gann/Bentley | Waltham, MA

Session 3: August 3rd – 7th 2026Greater Wellesley, MA