Track 1
GSSE STEM Skills- Design and Prototyping
This course is an introduction to design thinking and execution. Instruction will be a daily mix of classroom and lab activities. Topics will cover theory of design from both aesthetic and functional perspectives. Students will learn and apply computer aided design skills in the classroom coupled with lab experience in the use of 3D printers, laser cutters, waterjets, and other fabrication techniques to tackle a variety of design/build projects throughout the term. The course will consist of a core set of learnings with multiple branches allowing students to explore topics of interest at more depth.
Required Equipment:
Laptop (or similar computer device) with Access to a reliable internet connection and installation of standard Microsoft Office software. This course uses an online course management system (Canvas). Canvas will be the primary mechanism for distributing course related information and all student submissions. You should install the Canvas app on your phones and turn notifications on for this course.
Software:
Design Tools:
Required: OnShape <create student account here> Use your UTK email please!
Optional: Prusa Slicer <download and install here>
Helpful videos to setup and use these tools for class
Keys to Success:
- Student: Show up, pay attention, contribute in class, work diligently, be professional.
- Complete and submit all assigned homework, exams and team projects prior to deadline
- Instructor and TAs: Be consistent and reasonable, present material clearly, provide support and feedback in and out of class as needed and requested.
- End Goal: Students leave the class with a reasonable understanding of the concepts of design theory and a solid foundation of how to build and test concept prototypes using common fabrication processes.
Class Schedule
| WK | DATES | WEEKLY THEME | ASSIGNMENT |
| 1 | Jun 1-5 | Introduction to Design | Concepts of aesthetic and functional design, design studies, intro to Computer Aided Design (CAD) |
| 2 | Jun 8-12 | Prototyping | Overview of 2D and 3D prototyping techniques, training and use of 3D printers, laser cutters, and other fabrication techniques |
| 3 | Jun 15-19 | Project Planning | Create a plan to save the survivors of the Titanic using engineering design and prototyping |
| 4 | Jun 22-26 | Project Execution | Refine plan, construct prototypes and test (compete!) to prove your designs. |
Credit Hours: 1
Track 2
GSSE STEM Skills – Code, Analyze, Create
Course Preparations
Required Equipment:
Laptop (or similar computer device) with Access to a reliable internet connection and installation of standard Microsoft Office software. This course uses an online course management system (Canvas). Canvas will be the primary mechanism for distributing course related information and all student submissions. You should install the Canvas app on your phones and turn notifications on for this course.
Software:
Programming Tools: Google Colab
Keys to Success:
- Be prepared for all classes by reading materials before class begins
- Be respectful of others, particularly during course discussionshttps://utk.instructure.com/accounts/1/external_tools/1?launch_type=global_navigation
- Actively contribute to the learning activities in class
- Abide by the UT Honor Code
- Complete and submit all assigned homework, reflections, and team projects prior to deadline
Class Schedule
| WK | DATES | WEEKLY THEME | ASSIGNMENT |
| 1 | Jun 1-5 | Introduction to Programming | Create your own website and learn Python fundamentals |
| 2 | Jun 8-12 | Data Analytics and Visualization Basics | Use Python to analyze and visualize datasets. Create a formal report in LaTeX |
| 3 | Jun 15-19 | Planning and Programming | Introduction to robotic programming with Python. Robots will be used for each class to program and perform functions. |
| 4 | Jun 22-26 | Demonstrations, Presentations, and Escape Game | Classes will present their robot programming and participate in a Python Escape Room. |
Credit Hours: 1