Mahtomedi High School (MHS) students in Hans Harlane’s Engineering 2 class have been busy with a hands-on project building levies and then practicing marketing their design to a city for purchase.
The students have spent time working through the engineering design process, trying out different materials and ideas. Along the way, they also experience real-world issues like supply chain delays. The students prepare their proposal with information on cost, construction time, and levy design. The project is an interactive way for students to collaborate and practice critical skills in potential engineering careers.
Noah House (Class of 2025) is interested in being an entrepreneur after graduation and starting an engineering-related business. Noah has been able to take classes that connect with these interests through engineering classes and Introduction to Business. Noah also participates in Real World Design Challenge and was a recent competitor in the State Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) competition in the Principles of Business Management and Administration category.
Dominic Jensen (Class of 2026) shared that “Engineering classes have been my favorite classes. I love being able to be creative. I use the computers to design and then use the 3D printers to make models.” Dominic is a member of the Maht-o-Make It Club and helps make designs and logos for stickers and shared that he hopes to enter an engineering career to make things.
Mr. Harlane is currently pursuing a career and technical education endorsement for his teaching license. In the engineering classes at MHS, as students move along the pathway from Engineering 1 to 3, they gradually build impactful skills, which include a deep understanding of the engineering design process, research, business writing, and collaboration skills. Next year, students in Engineering 2 and 3 will be able to earn articulated credit through Century College and Computer Aided Design certifications.