Encouraging Early Education in Engineering

Ryan NeilsonED 256 Technology and Learning

UC-Santa Barbara

Motivation

Where have all the engineers gone?

• Reduced enrollment in engineering programs• Future challenges require future problem-solvers

Objectives

• Motivate early interest in engineering• Help children develop problem-solving skills• Teach basic engineering principles

Solution:CAD (Computer Aided Design) For Kids

CAD For Kids

• Interactive design program• Geared towards primary education classes• Material and design software• 3D projection of object to a platform

Computer Screen Visuals

Computer Aided Design (CAD) for Kids!

Click Here to Begin

This is the computer screen

Take a test drive.

Welcome To CAD For Kids!

Games

Practice Building

Free Design

Users can design anything with access to tools, materials, and design shapes.

Problem solving games are designed to help kids understand basic principles of materials, design, and engineering.

These tutorials help kids learn how to use CAD tools to build simple machines, models, and prototypes.

Welcome To CAD For Kids!

Games

Practice Building

Free Design

Let’s try Free Design!

Free Design

Select a Shape

Granite

Marble

Oak

Cork

Walnut

Medium Wood

Steel

Cement

Sand

Select the Material

Choose an Orientation

Drag Pieces into Place

Test the Strength

3000 pounds

Test the Strength

3000 poundsHow much it flexes depends upon the material properties

Project onto Platform

Projector

Here’s our platform

Computer sends the object to a 3D projector

A model producedin 3D!

Even small cogs can drive big gears.

CAD For Kids

Thank You