Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) is a high-school-level foundation course in the PLTW Engineering Program. In IED students are introduced to the engineering profession and a common approach to the solution of engineering problems—an engineering design process. Using the activity-, project-, and problem-based learning approach, students progress from completing structured activities to solving open-ended projects and problems, which require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills.
Through both individual and collaborative team activities, projects, and problems, students solve problems as they practice common engineering design and development protocols, such as project management and peer review. Students develop skills in technical representation and documentation of design solutions according to accepted technical standards, and they use current 3-D design and modeling software to represent and communicate solutions. In addition, the development of computational methods that are commonly used in engineering problem solving, including statistical analysis and mathematical modeling, are emphasized. Ethical issues related to professional practice and product development are also presented.
Source: PLTW
Through both individual and collaborative team activities, projects, and problems, students solve problems as they practice common engineering design and development protocols, such as project management and peer review. Students develop skills in technical representation and documentation of design solutions according to accepted technical standards, and they use current 3-D design and modeling software to represent and communicate solutions. In addition, the development of computational methods that are commonly used in engineering problem solving, including statistical analysis and mathematical modeling, are emphasized. Ethical issues related to professional practice and product development are also presented.
Source: PLTW