Goal is for students to 'understand collaboration, teamwork and basically how things work.' A number of entries in the annual “The Big Wheel” engineering/CAD contest held in the upper division’s Introduction to Computer Aided Design class are displayed on Sept. 12.
Katrina Palushaj, who is the computer science teacher for Notre Dame’s upper division, began the school year once again with a classroom full of budding "engineers." Her Introduction to Computer Aided Design (CATIA V6 Engineering Design Software) class is a perennial favorite for sophomores, juniors and seniors and this year is no different. But, she said, she doesn’t want the students to get ahead of themselves or the class material since it can be quite complex.
“Each year in my beginners CAD class we do a little project called the ‘The Big Wheel,’” Palushaj said. “Once I lecture and talk about how a Ferris wheel is engineered and constructed, students then are given material to construct their own Ferris wheel with ONLY the material provided.”
The course is an introduction to Computer-Aided Three Dimensional-Interactive-Application (CATIA V6), which is recognized as the world's leading CAD software. CATIA is designed to optimize all stages of the production life-cycle (PLM), and students in the class will utilize their artistic, creative, computer, and mathematical abilities to create parts and engineering drawings. Projects stress teamwork, the design process, and creativity and analytical thinking.
Students work on designing their version of a Ferris wheel for the contest.
The course ultimately will give students a solid foundation in product design and analysis through various experiences, according to Palushaj.
For the introductory project, Palushaj has the kids construct model Ferris wheels out of whatever materials she provides. She said the goal is for students to understand collaboration, teamwork and basically how things work.
Fans are used to test and propel the Ferris wheel designs.
The winner is judged on style and build along with which one has the “best spin,” and they use a fan to make them spin.
“Like real engineers, it is all about using certain given materials, designing it, constructing it and making it work,” Palushaj said. “All in all, the kids did great. It's really interesting to see all the different angles and views they took to do this project.”
Dignitary to visit
On Tuesday, September 13, Thierry Collet, vice president, global academia and education for France-based Dassault Systemes, which manufactures the CATIA software that Notre Dame uses, will be on the school campus to visit with teachers and students, and see the progress the school has made with its engineering and CAD classes. He is expected to present a plaque to Notre Dame for its long-term commitment to CAD education and the continuing use of Dassault software.
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." The Marist Fathers and Brothers sponsor NDPMA's Catholic identity and manages its educational program. Notre Dame is accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.