Mechanical engineering

Convert a part’s dimensions and check a simple speed calculation.

1. Start with a measurement
2. Convert without guessing
3. Experiment with a part
4. Check the mathematics
5. Work it out yourself
6. Remember and return

Find an unknown without changing the meaning of an equation.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Resolve a length or force into perpendicular components.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Draw a physical model before choosing a formula.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Report measurements honestly and make a dimensioned sketch.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Connect position, velocity, and acceleration, then integrate a distributed quantity.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Solve coupled equations and describe a system that changes with time.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Build and validate a small engineering calculation.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Distinguish a measured effect from noise and quantify its uncertainty.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Find reaction forces and explain a structure’s load path.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Estimate deformation and identify a likely failure mode.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Justify a material choice using properties, processing, cost, and environment.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Model a mass–spring system and explain why resonance matters.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Make an energy balance and distinguish energy conservation from useful work.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Estimate flow and pressure loss while stating where the model applies.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Identify the dominant transfer mechanisms and estimate a temperature change.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Explain how electrical input becomes mechanical output.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Describe the trade-off between speed, overshoot, and stability.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Plan a measurement chain and identify sources of error.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Connect geometry and component choices to loads and service conditions.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Choose a process and define how the part will be inspected.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Explain why a plausible simulation picture is not proof of a correct model.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Defend a design decision using evidence and explicit trade-offs.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Present a tested design and discuss where your conclusions stop applying.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record

Choose an elective pathway and identify its additional prerequisites.

1. Understand the idea
2. Work through an example
3. Explore the model
4. Try it yourself
5. Study the sources
6. Recall and record