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IED
Introduction to Engineering Design
Build engineering habits through sketching, measurement, CAD, prototyping, documentation, testing, and design iteration.
Your Responsibility
Document your evidence
Each unit connects classroom work to engineering evidence: notes, sketches, CAD/CAM files, code, photos, testing data, revisions, and final reflections.
Course overview
How IED is organized
IED builds from engineering foundations into CAD, prototyping, technical documentation, systems thinking, and a final design capstone.
Think like an engineer
Use problem definition, criteria, constraints, research, sketching, decision making, and iteration.
Show the process
Maintain engineering notebook evidence, CAD files, drawings, testing notes, and final reflections.
Build and test
Use FabLab tools, safe procedures, fabrication planning, and test evidence to improve solutions.
Units 0-5
Each unit includes a project, final evidence, and daily lesson sequence.
Engineering Foundations & Rocket Launch Pad Challenge
You will build engineering habits, safety routines, and design-process skills by completing a full Rocket Launch Pad Design Challenge from problem definition through final qualification and design review.
Project: Rocket Launch Pad Design Challenge
Final Evidence: Hand & Cutting Tool Certification + Launch Pad Qualification + Engineering Design Review
Technical Sketching, Measurement & Engineering Documentation
You will communicate physical parts through isometric and multiview sketching, dimensioning, measurement, tolerances, manufacturing inspection, and joining-method analysis.
Project: Engineering Documentation Challenge
Final Evidence: Technical Drawing + Measurement & Inspection Evidence + Interface Analysis
CAD Modeling, Parametric Design & 3D Printing
You will create accurate CAD part models, complete the five-piece Puzzle Cube Challenge, prepare manufacturing files, and complete the FabLab 3D printer certification.
Project: Five-Piece Puzzle Cube Challenge
Final Evidence: Multi-Body Fusion Model + Technical Drawing + Manufacturing Files + 3D Printing Certification
Assembly Design, Manufacturing & Flight Testing
You will move from bodies to components, design and manufacture a modular compressed-air rocket with laser-cut fins, fit-test and revise the assembly, document the final system, and complete a controlled flight test.
Project: Modular Compressed-Air Rocket Assembly & Flight Test Challenge
Final Evidence: Component-Based Fusion Assembly + STL/DXF Manufacturing Package + Engineering Change Record + Assembly Drawing/BOM + Flight-Test Evidence
Aerospace Mechanisms, Materials & Electromechanical Systems
You will investigate materials, mechanisms, motion, friction, data, statistics, circuits, motors, and electromechanical systems through an aerospace prototype challenge.
Project: Aerospace Mechanism/Electromechanical System Prototype
Final Evidence: Materials, Mechanisms, Circuits + Prototype Testing Portfolio
Human-Centered Aerospace Design Capstone
You will complete a final human-centered aerospace design capstone that uses user research, ethics, sustainability, life-cycle thinking, project management, prototyping, testing, feedback, revision, portfolio evidence, and final presentation.
Project: Human-Centered Aerospace Design Capstone + Final Portfolio
Final Evidence: Final Engineering Portfolio + Capstone Presentation
Resources
IED course resources
Course documents and resources that support your work throughout IED.
2026-2027 Course Syllabus
Review IED course goals, units, projects, grading, materials, FabLab safety, collaboration, artificial intelligence expectations, support, and the family acknowledgment.
Open Syllabus (PDF)Your Workflow
How students work in IED
IED emphasizes clear thinking, careful documentation, and evidence-based design decisions.
Understand the problem
Identify users, goals, criteria, constraints, and assumptions before designing.
Create options
Sketch, model, and compare multiple possible solutions before committing to one.
Use evidence
Collect measurements, observations, and feedback to decide what needs revision.
Present clearly
Use drawings, CAD, photos, notebooks, and reflections to explain final design choices.