Online course designed for high school students
Engineering: From 2D Sketch to 3D Model
Robotics and animation experts. Video game designers. Electrical and mechanical engineers. Architects. Product designers. Many of the world’s most exciting careers start with a basic knowledge of engineering and design. This course offers an introductory look at these skills. You’ll start with 2D sketching and progress through 3D modeling, using computer-aided design (CAD) to develop a professional final project. You’ll learn the language of design and how to communicate your ideas to other engineers. If you’re interested in a college major or a future related to the field, this course is a must.
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Discover the exciting world of engineering design
Explore the Role of Design in Our World and Find Your Place in the Field
Learn the types of objects product designers create, the methods they use, and problems they solve. Review career options and find one that appeals to you.
Take a Primer in 2D Sketching
Practice using the language of design. Understand shapes, scale, and proportion. Create a 2D sketch. Select an object from your home and create a user manual.
Generate a 3D Model from a 2D Sketch
See a 3D object layed out in 2 dimensions. Use this diagram as a model for the final project. Discover how to test with simple prototype creation.
Create a 3D Model Using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software
Become skilled at building objects using pre-established shapes and forms that come with modeling software. Start with a 2D sketch and bring it to life in 3D.
Move from Beginner CAD to a More Advanced Level
Develop a 3D model, using your own 2D sketch. Learn the features used to create 3D models. Understand the difference between designing for manufacture versus digital models.
Prepare for a Future in Design Engineering
This course offers a foundation for those thinking about pursuing a future in engineering, video game design, animation, architecture, industrial and product design, and robotics.
How You Will Benefit
- Learn to use the language of designers to communicate your ideas to professionals
- Gain a working knowledge of creating 2D sketches
- Discover how to transform a 2D sketch into a 3D model
- Become proficient at using CAD software
- Enjoy flexible learning: online lessons are delivered by dynamic videos so you can tune in whenever your schedule allows
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Case Western Reserve University
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
All course options, whether two or four weeks, have the identical educational content, learning materials, and number of assignments. We provide the option of a condensed version of the course to accommodate students’ individual schedules.
Hear From Case Western Reserve University
3 Learning Advantages Designed for You
Flexible Learning
- 100% online, works with your schedule
- 20 to 25 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support
- A flexible format: You’ll learn through engaging video and can tune in anytime that works for you.
- Engage with students from around the world
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can answer questions and provide support throughout the course. You can expect:
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you succeed
- Brainstorming to help as you prepare for your final project
Final Project
The course culminates in a final project in which you will:
- Generate a robust model of a design of your own choosing. This could be board game miniatures, architectural models, desk organizers, bodies for remote control cars or custom pieces for hobby kits like Legos
- Use sketches to create solid features for your model
- Upload a file of your final 3D model, take screenshots from three views, or print your model on a 3D printer. Bonus: Learn in the course where you can get your final project printed
Course designed by Case Western Reserve University
Ainsley Buckner
Director of Prototyping, Art, & Community Engagement, Sears think[box]
Buckner coordinates resources, programming and outreach to the local community for Case Western Reserve’s innovation and makerspace, Sears think[box]. Buckner is a certified instructor for Stratasys' Additive Manufacturing certification program, has four years of experience working at a nonprofit organization teaching arts integration in Cleveland public schools with a focus on STEM and project-based learning, and serves as a part-time instructor in Case Western Reserve’s engineering school.
Jason Bradshaw
Director of Design and Manufacturing, Sears think[box]
In addition to serving as an instructor in Case Western Reserve’s engineering school, Bradshaw provides design and manufacturing expertise at Sears think[box]. During more than 20 years in the mechanical engineering profession, Jason designed custom tooling for existing machinery—as well as completely new equipment from the ground up. He has been teaching for the last decade at CWRU—both introductory and advanced classes in the areas of manufacturing, design, graphical communication and computer-aided engineering.
Course Mentors
Angelo
CWRU undergraduate with a major in mechanical engineering. Currently on the BAJA SAE team, focused on designing and building off-road racing vehicles. Angelo has over four years of Solidworks experience and holds 2 professional certifications with Dassault Systèmes, a large software development company.
Kevin
CWRU Graduate with a major in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Applied Data Science. Has designed and built off-road race cars as part of CWRU Motorsports. Also the co-founder of FAR at CWRU, which pairs engineering students with local high schools.
How to Apply
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Just provide some basic information and tell us why you wish to take this program.
Note: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
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Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.
The University reserves the right to modify the course as may become necessary.