Elmer's Engines in SolidWorks

[vascon2196]

I just gave my 10th graders (Sophomores), a really cool CAD assignment. They are required to choose (1) engine plan from Elmer's Engines and convert each 2-dimensional part into a 3-dimensional model in SolidWorks. Then, they have to build a working assembly including an animation.

They also have to create working drawings of each part and provide an assembly drawing with a BOM and balloons.

So far they have really enjoyed the exercise...and they were able to choose an engine design that was interesting to them, verses me choosing one for them.

I know this is not related to machining (because they are in Drafting), but I thought you folks would like to see young students (14 to 15 years of age) being exposed to Elmer's engines!

Hey, someone has to show these kids there is more to life than video games!!!

 

[Philjoe5]

Good work Chris, that's a great teaching move.

Your comment:

I know this is not related to machining (because they are in Drafting)

while technically true, their exposure to this exercise may well lead them to explore mechanical devices and in doing so often times will lead to an interest in machining. That's how it worked for me, though I'm long past a sophomore

Cheers,
Phil

 

[Sshire]

Great project, Chris. The 3D drawings will be really helpful in building any of Elmer's as the photos are soooooo bad on the John-Tom site that you sometimes wonder if it's the same engine.
Wiill you be able to post these at some point?

 

[Swifty]

I think that if they taught CAD at high school here in Australia, they might get more students interested in pursuing some type of engineering job when they finish school.

A lot of our Technical (trade) Schools were shut down a number of years ago, and students had no choice but to go to High School, or Secondary School as they are now known. The government is only now realising the error of shutting the trade schools down, and "talking" about reintroducing them.

In my era, I know I'm sounding like an old person, depending on what the student had in mind for the future, they either chose to go to a Technical or High school. A Technical school would teach the basic subjects, but not as in depth as a High school, and also teach trade subjects more suited for motor mechanics, builders, plumbers, fitters etc. From Trade school they would go straight into an apprenticeship for 4 - 5 years.

These days, whenever annual earnings are listed from highest to lowest paid jobs, the trade jobs are always near the top of the list.

Paul.

 

[vascon2196]

Wiill you be able to post these at some point?

I hope so Stan. Some of the parents signed a form that prevents information about their kids being uploaded on the internet.

If I post pictures of their engines without any names it should not be a problem.

Hopefully I will have a collection by the end of the week.

 

[vascon2196]

Good work Chris, that's a great teaching move.

Your comment:



while technically true, their exposure to this exercise may well lead them to explore mechanical devices and in doing so often times will lead to an interest in machining. That's how it worked for me, though I'm long past a sophomore

Cheers,
Phil

Thanks Phil.

Modeling Elmer's engines in SolidWorks is what got me hooked on model engineering. I'm hoping this gets them interested in any aspect of mechanical engineering and design!