ExxonMobil Engineers Provide Authentic Learning Experience for Project Lead the Way Pre-Engineering Students at Joliet West

ExxonMobil engineers recently visited Joliet Central and West High School Project Lead the Way Pre-engineering classrooms during an authentic learning experience that allowed students to demonstrate their innovative reverse engineering projects.

The students in Erin Wagner, Tim Gonzalez, Chris McGuffey and Dale West’s classes have been working on the project in which students re-design a wooden toy model. “There are 5 wooden models that include a helicopter, wagon, sailboat, biplane, and truck,” said Wagner. The students measured all the pieces of the original wooden toy and constructed 3D models using Autodesk Inventor software.”

After developing the original model, the students decided how they wanted to adapt and modify the toy to improve the design and function. They used the Inventor program to create their innovative toys.

Students formed small groups and delivered mini presentations to explain the issues they saw in the original design and to describe their rationale for the re-designed toy. The ExxonMobil engineers circulated around the room viewing students’ presentations, engineering notebooks, and portfolios.

“It was great having the engineers in the class,” said Wagner. “They provided an authentic audience and feedback the student can incorporate into upcoming projects.”

Project Lead The Way is the nation's leading provider of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. Through a world-class curriculum, high-quality teacher professional development, and outstanding partnerships, PLTW helps students develop the skills needed to succeed in the global economy.

View Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jths204/albums/72157655196334973

Caption: ExxonMobil Engineer Sean Safavinejad speaks with students.