Intro to Engineering for Middle Schoolers

O’Toolin Around’s Beginning Engineering class isn’t just another after-school program. It’s a gateway into the world of design, creativity and technological innovation. Under the guidance of Shawn O’Toole, an 18-year D-20 licensed teacher, students embark on an educational adventure that blends fun with learning, imagination with creation.

Real-World Applications. The skills learned in this class extend far beyond the classroom. Students are not only preparing for potential future careers in engineering and design but are also developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, team building and a can-do attitude that will serve them well in all aspects of life.

End-to-End Experience. From original concept to final creation, students witness their ideas come to life. This end-to-end experience is empowering, instilling a sense of achievement and a deeper understanding of the engineering process.

Interactive Learning in a Comprehensive and Fun Curriculum. Each session is designed to be interactive and engaging, ensuring students are not just passive learners but active participants in their educational journey.

Students are presented with a new engineering challenge every day. Participants are organized into teams of 2 or 4 members who must work together to solve the engineering problem of the day such as launching water balloons at a target. The teams compete to win prizes.  These daily exercises are vital for students to learn the critical importance of teamwork in solving engineering problems.

The course includes daily hands-on practical training to highlight the distinctions between engineering and the scientific method.

The Wooden Box Project: A Keepsake and a Milestone. Learning to design and build a small personalized wooden box using 1/8” pine wood is the core project of this 5-day engineering course.

It begins with training on how to use a 3D drawing program called SketchUp. Known for its ease of usability, SketchUp is a powerful 3D modeling software that is fun to use and easy to learn. It allows students’ creativity to blossom by transforming their ideas into digital or even tangible creations.

Once they learn SketchUp, students design their wooden box and use a laser to cut the box pieces according to their plan. The laser also engraves three sides of their box with any appropriate art work/lettering that the student can incorporate into their design.

Finally, the students glue all the pieces of the box together (13 cm x 8 cm x 8 cm).

This tangible result of their learning efforts, while a simple wooden box, symbolizes the journey from novice to maker. It represents the skills acquired, the creativity and the personal growth experienced throughout the course. Students go home with a keepsake that will always remind them of their successful venture into engineering.

Materials: Computer requirement (bring your own device): Students will need to bring a laptop. An IBM or Windows-based computer is preferred, but an Apple computer will work just as well. Ensure the computer you bring can access this free SketchUp site: https://edu.sketchup.com/app/ prior to the class. There is a possibility for Mr. O’Toole to supply a computer laptop for students who don’t have their own device. Contact Mr. O’Toole at: otoolinaround@gmail.com for more information.

Dates: This Engineering course is postponed until next year. 

Location: Classes are held at Discovery Canyon Campus Middle School (1810 Northgate Blvd, Colorado Springs) as Mr. O’Toole actively coaches and substitutes there. He has taught at DCCMS for 8 years.

Length of Class: 5 days, 9 AM to 3 PM with a 30 min break for lunch.

Class Capacity – Limited Slots Available: The engineering class is limited to 30 students in general but if we reach capacity we may be able to add another 5 slots. Early registration is encouraged to secure your place in this transformative journey.

Small class sizes ensure that every student receives individual attention. This personalized approach enables us to cater to the unique interests and learning paces of our students, fostering an environment where every young engineer can thrive.

Age: 5th thru 12th grade with a primary target for 6th thru 8th grade. Exceptions could be made for younger students who are familiar with using a mouse or touchpad and other menu driven programs. Please email Mr. O’Toole at otoolinaround@gmail.com for this exception.

Pricing: $295.

Discounts: 10% Military (retired or active). 10% for siblings.

Are You Ready to Engineer a Brighter Future? This is more than just a class. It’s an investment in your child’s future. By fostering a love for engineering and providing the tools for creative expression, we’re opening doors to endless possibilities. Join us at O’Toolin Around for an educational experience that’s as enriching as it is fun and entertaining.

Let’s build, create and learn together!