Inventions in Engineering

Course Description

Description

CTY’s Inventions in Engineering introduces young students to the world of inventors and inventions. It begins with a brief historical perspective of engineering and inventions, to help students recognize the inventions they use in their daily lives. Lessons on the scientific process and the fundamentals of engineering prepare students to complete the independent projects which are central to the course. Students use online forums to discuss their projects and learn how other students use the same materials to achieve different results. Students keep an “Idea Log,” a diary of ideas they will use as they complete their final project and presentation. The themes of problem solving and creativity are fostered throughout the course.

Units include:

• Introduction to Inventions
• Characteristics of Inventors
• the Scientific Process
• Naming an Invention
• Simple Machines
• Aeronautics
• Patents and Trademarks
• Electrical Engineering
• Vehicles

Materials Needed

This course requires the purchase of a Materials Kit and several common household items found in this Materials List. Please review the materials requirements before enrolling in the course and make sure to have all materials before the course begins.

Detailed Course Information

Course Details

Introduction to Inventions

• Definition of Invention
• Inventions vs. Discoveries

Characteristics of Inventors

• Brainstorming
• SCAMPER

The Scientific Process

• Scientific Method
• Scientific Process: Clarence Birdseye
• Everyday Design

Naming an Invention

• Naming it after a Person
• Naming it after its Function
• Word Tricks
• Naming it after Characteristics
• Creating a New Word

Simple Machines

• Work and Force
• Lever
• Pulley
• Wheel and Axle
• Inclined Plane
• Wedge
• Screw
• Gear
• Rube Goldberg
• Buckminster Fuller & Geodesic Domes
• Structures Investigation

Aeronautics

• Lift
• Drag
• Thrust
• Gravity
• Bernoulli’s Principle
• Why Planes Fly

Patents and Trademarks

• Definition of Patent
• Utility Patent
• Design Patent
• Plant Patent
• Definition of Trademark
• Definition of Service Mark
• Parts of a Patent
• Chester Greenwood & Earmuffs

Electrical Engineering

• Electric Circuits
• Conductors
• Insulators
• Series Circuits
• Parallel Circuits
• Charles Goodyear & Rubber
• Magnetism
• Electromagnets

Vehicles

• The History of Transportation
• Transportation and Society

System Requirements

CTYOnline courses require a properly-maintained computer with Internet access and a recent-version web browser (such as Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer) with the Adobe Flash plugin. Software needed (available free online): Adobe Reader, Word Processing Software (like Microsoft Word or Open Office), and RealPlayer. Students are expected to be familiar with standard computer operations (e.g. login, cut & paste, email attachments, etc).

This course requires high-speed Internet access (such as Cable or DSL) for online lesson videos. Your browser will need to allow javascript, login cookies, and popup windows from ctyjhu.org, bluejay.cty.jhu.edu, and any other course web sites.

Students will also need access to a digital camera and video recorder (high quality cell phone or iPod camera/recorder will be fine) and sound recording software. Images, videos, and sounds must be able to be submitted to the instructor either by email or upload into course website.