Come be inspired. Inspired by the active learning and collaboration taking place in Professor David Weaver’s Engineering classes. His Engineering Analysis & Tools (ECE102) class and his Engineering Mechanics-Static (ECE211) class are preparing for the Grand Canyon University Bridge Building competition on February 18th during Engineering Week. Small teams of students are building bridges made of popsicle sticks, spaghetti and glue. The teams are currently in the testing phase, determining which designs will bear the most weight.
PVCC is fortunate to have Professor Weaver, a 39-year employee of Maricopa Community Colleges, on campus. He was asked to come to PVCC to spearhead the new Engineering program. In the Fall 2019, his classes filled up with over 50 students entering the program. In Fall 2020, both an Associates of Science in Engineering (for students wishing to transfer to a university) and an Associates of Applied Science in Engineering Technology will be offered. Professor Weaver has been doing project-based learning for 25 years. Students are engaged in learning math and science as they work on their projects, not just memorizing formulas and equations.
Another experience students can look forward to is the new Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) Gold class. Students examine the process of human-centered design and learn how to solve real-world problems. They use critical thinking skills to engage in a dialogue with the “client” to develop the best solution. The project may be a prosthetic limb, it may be an important phone app. “Leadership and community service are critical to advancement on so many levels,” says Professor Weaver.
Everyone is welcome to come observe the Bridge Building competition on the 18th at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm in H104. Good luck to our teams!