UHS Engineering/Robotics

The program is a sequence of courses for the STEM Endorsement and CTE credits at Uvalde High School. The program focuses on preparing student with the skills and knowledge needed to analyze problems, create ides, identify solutions, test/evaluate, determine a final output, and then reiterate to improve the solution. The process is demonstrated using different avenues and activities, that include, but not limited to presentations, digital models, and physical models; such models are created using AutoCAD, a computer assisted drafting software, and 3D printers. Students are also exposed to the world of robotics via an after-school program and a stand-alone elective course centered around the LEGO Mindstorms system.

I am Roberto Cantu, the "Engineering Guy" as some students call me. I have been in education for over a decade now. I am a native of Uvalde, many community members are my classmates, friends, and family. I enjoy the hunt for knowledge to understand how something works, and then be able to fix or improve it. Having a sense of adventure, and curiosity for the unknown are major pillars in the field of Engineering, along with a solid foundation in math and science. I hope to see you soon in my classes!

The vision is to have students leave the program prepared and certified to enter the Engineering field, academics or workforce, at the entry level meeting the responsibilities and roles. Students understand the nature and purpose of Engineering, to establish a code of ethics that holds the safety of their community and environment as they create the world around them.

An overview of the various fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and their interrelationships. Students will develop engineering communication skills, which include computer graphics, modeling, and presentations, by using a variety of computer hardware and software applications to complete assignments and projects. Upon completing this course, students will understand the various fields of engineering and will be able to make informed career decisions. Further, students will have worked on a design team to develop a product or system. Students will use multiple software applications to prepare and present course assignments.

A continuation of knowledge and skills learned in Principles of Applied Engineering. Students enrolled in this course will demonstrate knowledge and skills of the design process as it applies to engineering fields using multiple software applications and tools necessary to produce and present working drawings, solid model renderings, and prototypes. Students will use a variety of computer hardware and software applications to complete assignments and projects. Through implementation of the design process, students will transfer advanced academic skills to component designs. Additionally, students explore career opportunities in engineering, technology, and drafting and what is required to gain and maintain employment in these areas.

A continuation of knowledge and skills learned in Engineering Design and Presentation I. Students enrolled in this course will demonstrate knowledge and skills of the design process as it applies to engineering fields using multiple software applications and tools necessary to produce and present working drawings, solid model renderings, and prototypes. Students will use a variety of computer hardware and software applications to complete assignments and projects. Through implementation of the design process, students will transfer advanced academic skills to component designs. Emphasis will be placed on using skills from ideation through prototyping.

A course where students solve and model design problems. Students will use a variety of mathematical methods and models to represent and analyze problems that represent a range of real-world engineering applications such as robotics, data acquisition, spatial applications, electrical measurement, manufacturing processes, materials engineering, mechanical drives, pneumatics, process control systems, quality control, and computer programming. This course satisfies a high school mathematics graduation requirement.

Students will transfer academic skills to component designs in a project-based environment through implementation of the design process. Students will build prototypes or use simulation software to test their designs. Additionally, students will explore career opportunities, employer expectations, and educational needs in the robotic and automation industry.

The course, as well as the after-school program, use the LEGO Mindstorms system as the platform for student to build, program, and test; this allows for more practice in the problem solving portion of the issue, and still allows for them to build the solution.

Coyotechs is the after-school program, and student organization that promotes the use of Engineering and Robotics to help develop as a productive member of society, and mindfulness of the impacts technology has on the environment.

"An engineer who wants to do a good job for their clients, needs to practice communication skills as much, if not more, than engineering skills. Soft skills ability – communication, project management, working with people – should exceed engineering skills if you are going to stand out as an engineer." - Shoots Veis

Engineering Instructor

Robotics Coach

Email: rcantu3722@uvaldecisd.net
Website: https://www.ucisd.net/
Location: 1 Coyote Trail, Uvalde, TX, USA
Phone: 8305912950
Twitter: @UCantu3722