The Physics of Engineering
The Physics of Engineering is a Baby CTY course that focuses on the basis of Engineering. Its course code is SCEN. This course is offered at:
First Session Only: Brooklandville, La Jolla and San Mateo
Second Session Only: Alexandria
Both Sessions: Bristol, Chestertown, Easton, Los Angeles (Loyola Marymount), Palo Alto, Los Angeles (Windward) New York and Sandy Spring
Course Description
How can a concrete boat float? How do you build the strongest bridge with the lightest building materials? Physics, the science of matter and its motion, helps answer these questions and more. In this course, students learn principles of mechanics; electricity and magnetism; and aerodynamics, and apply them to engineering design projects.
Concepts are introduced and reinforced through hands-on activities, lectures, class discussions, and practice exercises. Students will participate in design challenges and experiments, which may include building trebuchets to learn about projectile motion, designing and launching rockets to learn about aeronautics, or constructing roller coasters to learn about energy conservation. They may also explore rocket science, orbital motion, and the challenges of space travel. Students carefully analyze data they collect and write reports about the projects.
Students learn how to ask scientific questions, hypothesize, and experiment in order to interpret physical phenomena. They are introduced to the iterative design process—engineering solutions to problems presented in class, and refining their designs to fit the presented criteria. By the end of the course, students acquire an understanding of major concepts in physics and an enhanced ability to work in groups and individually to solve problems in the physical sciences.
Note: Students in this class should have a strong background in pre-algebra or have completed CTY’s Inductive and Deductive Reasoning or Data and Chance. Students should be comfortable with basic algebraic concepts: equation manipulation, interpreting graphs, and expressing large numbers in scientific notation.
Note: CTY is committed to eliminating the gender gap in technology and engineering fields. To that end, girls-only sections of this class will be held at the Bristol and Los Angeles residential sites during the first session. Girls may request this or a co-ed section of the class.
Lab Fee: $65
Students must have completed grades: 5 or 6
