Introduction to Engineering DesignTM (IED) is a high school level course that is appropriate for 9th-12th grade students who are interested in learning design and engineering and skills through engaging hands-on activities. It is one of two foundation courses in the Project Lead The Way® (PLTW) high school engineering pathway. The major focus of the IED course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, technical documentation, engineering standards, and the global and human impact of various engineering disciplines. IED gives students the opportunity to develop skills and understand course concepts through problem-based learning and hands-on activities.
In addition to learning 3D modeling using paper and drafting tools, students will use Autodesk Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to help them design solutions for proposed problems. Students will use state-of-the-art rapid prototyping technologies such as 3D printing and laser cutting to build their projects. Students will develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge to create solutions to various challenges throughout the course.