About the Course
Humanity's unending quest to find the most efficient and cost-effective means to make life better has created engineering marvels, from the world's tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, to the world's fastest commercial train, the Shanghai Maglev. In this course, you and your classmates will work primarily in teams to solve real-world and simulated engineering problems. You'll use mathematical knowledge, scientific thinking, and engineering design skills while analyzing how composite materials are used to make modern vehicles lighter and stronger; how innovations in energy technology make electric vehicles more efficient and viable; and how bridges are made to withstand extreme stress and wind pressure. You'll design, construct, and test your own working models and prototypes of amphibious vehicles, solar-powered cars, bridges, or skyscrapers. As part of the engineering design process, you'll weigh economic and ethical considerations along with technological ones and submit written technical reports and leave the class with a broader view of the field of engineering and the day-to-day work of engineers.
Typical Class Size: 18-20
The content in this course overlaps with the CTY course Principles of Engineering Design. Students who have already taken Principles of Engineering Design may wish to consult with an enrollment advisor before selecting this course.
Learning Objectives
- Justify the engineering design process and how it is applied in different scenarios by scientists and engineers
- Apply mathematics, physics, and the engineering design process to solve real-world and simulated engineering problems, such as how to build a lighter vehicle or a stronger bridge
- Construct and test prototypes and models of engineering projects, such as an amphibious vehicle, solar-powered car, bridge, or skyscraper
- Evaluate engineering designs based on criteria including potential environmental or ethical constraints, and propose and defend design improvements
- Model principles of inclusive engineering design when developing new solutions and determining criteria for evaluating a design
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
In Person
Gilman School
Baltimore, MD
Day Site
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Register by: June 8, 2026
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Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
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