Inspiring a New Generation of Engineers – Edgewater High School

Florida
Innovation

“I came to a realization about how much manufacturing can cost and how many variables there are.” 

That was not the answer I expected to hear while talking to Benjamin, a junior at Edgewater High School in Orlando. Benjamin was one of two dozen students that day constructing fully functioning, automated conveyor belts as part of their Project Lead The Way – Computer Integrated Engineering course.  

When asked to share something they learned through this project, Benjamin and his teammate Vance didn’t mention programming the light sensors on their conveyor belt or designing the prototype with an emergency shut-off button. (Although they did perform those activities). Instead, Benjamin explained that he was surprised by how much work it took to price out available parts, estimate energy usage and construct the belt in a way to stay under budget.  

If that sounds like a “real world” scenario these students are likely to encounter, that’s because Project Lead The Way designed it that way. Course facilitator, former engineer Lisa Apen, sees the course as a way to help students develop problem-solving skills that will serve them well in any career path they choose.  

To learn more about Edgewater High School’s innovative engineering program, watch the video below. 

Project Lead The Way programs are made possible through a partnership between Orange County Public Schools and Lockheed Martin. 

About the Author