Excelsior and Oak Ridge Students Explore Engineering in Design and Modeling Class

Design and Modeling Class: A Hands-On Learning Experience

Excelsior and Oak Ridge Middle School students in the Design and Modeling class are engaging in a learning experience that takes them through the entire design process. From initial concept to finished product, students are guided through a series of steps that help them transform ideas into tangible creations.

The class begins with students brainstorming their ideas and sketching them out on paper. They then move on to using Tinkercad, a user-friendly computer-aided design (CAD) program, to bring their designs to life in the digital world. “The process starts with conceptual design, where students visualize their ideas, and then they move on to refining these designs using Tinkercad,” said Travis Pierson, design and modeling teacher at Excelsior.

Currently, students are working on a project where they design a product to aid children with special needs. In this group-based project, students work together to develop a product that fits the needs of that child. The students must consider the appropriate size, functionality, and budget for their designs. Once their digital model is complete, they build prototypes using cardboard and other materials.

This hands-on approach to design allows students to gain experience with 3D printing, CAD software, and engineering principles—skills that are valuable in many fields. “It’s a great introduction to engineering and design,” Pierson noted. “The skills students learn here will serve them well if they choose to pursue this field further in high school or beyond.”

What Students Take Away: Building Skills, Confidence, and Critical Thinking

The Design and Modeling class is more than just a way to learn technical skills—it also helps students develop important life skills, including collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. As students work on their projects, they face challenges that require them to think creatively and adapt their designs.

“Critical thinking is a key takeaway,” Pierson explained. “Students learn to troubleshoot and figure out solutions when things don’t go as planned. It’s all about being adaptable and learning from mistakes.” For example, when students encounter problems with the materials, such as cardboard not bending or shaping as expected, they must find new ways to make their designs work. This process of trial and error teaches resilience and problem-solving.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the class is the sense of accomplishment students feel when they see their designs come to life. “They surprise themselves,” Pierson said. “By the end of the project, they realize they have skills they didn’t know they had. It’s amazing to watch them take pride in their work.”

The class also gives students a chance to explore whether a career in engineering or design might be something they want to pursue. “This class gives them a taste of what engineering is all about,” Travis said. “They can decide if they want to continue developing these skills or explore other interests, but either way, they walk away with a better understanding of their own abilities.”

Students in the Design and Modeling class not only learn technical skills but also gain confidence, develop critical thinking abilities, and acquire a deeper understanding of the value of collaboration and creativity. These lessons will serve them well, both in future coursework and in their personal and professional lives.