At the TryEngineering Summer Institute, our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and develop a deep understanding of engineering through hands-on exploration. Our comprehensive program covers four key disciplines of engineering: mechanical, civil, aerospace, and electrical engineering. Each module is crafted to engage students with interactive activities and real-world challenges that stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Below, we'll highlight the exciting hands-on projects and challenges that make our engineering camp an unparalleled experience for aspiring engineers.
Our engineering camps are hosted across four unique college campuses, providing students with an authentic taste of college life. By living on campus, students gain a sense of independence and confidence, navigating a new environment and managing their daily routines.
Learn more about the TryEngineering Summer Institute campus locations: University of Pennsylvania, University of San Diego, Columbia University, and Rice University
Engineering Module Activities and Challenges
Electrical Engineering
AM Radio Challenge
- Students will create a working AM radio! This classic project, though not cutting-edge, offers essential hands-on learning. It's perfect for high school students to grasp basic electrical engineering concepts and develop soldering skills. Ideal for beginners, this activity sparks interest and builds foundational knowledge for aspiring engineers.
Flying Drone Challenge
- Students will design and build a functional drone in a challenge to carry a payload to a target. This project involves iterative design and testing, promotes teamwork, and innovation. This challenge enhances the understanding of aerodynamic principles, flight control systems, and key electrical engineering concepts.
Smart Car Sensor Challenge
- In this electrical engineering challenge, students will collaboratively design and build a smart car from scratch. Working in teams of three, they’ll explore steering systems, and work with Arduino coding to navigate an obstacle course. During this challenge students will gain hands-on experience with circuitry and breadboarding.
Mechanical Engineering
Hydraulic Robot Arm Challenge
- In this mechanical engineering project, students design and build a hydraulic robot arm, complete with six degrees of motion. This challenge helps improve problem-solving skills and the understanding of hydraulic principles.Once the robot arm is completed, teams compete in two challenges. The first challenge simulates a real-world production line by transporting materials with multiple robot arms. Then the second challenge finds out which team can stack the highest number of dice with their robot arm.
Aerospace Engineering
Glider & Wing Design
In our aerospace engineering project, students will tackle the Glider & Wing Design Challenge. Teams will explore aircraft design foundations, analyze materials, shapes, and structures to maximize flight distance.
Guided by our staff, students will apply flight principles like lift, drag, and center of gravity to build a glider that can carry a shoebox payload. This project enhances student's creativity and problem-solving skills, offering a comprehensive and exciting introduction into aerospace engineering .
Civil Engineering
Bridge Building Challenge
Explore bridge building concepts in our civil engineering module! Students learn key design concepts, experiment with materials, and build increasingly complex bridges. This challenge is one of our student's favorites, as the winning team is celebrated with a pizza party!