Course Overview

CAD (Computer Aided Design) is one of the most important skills you can learn preparing for a career in engineering, architecture, construction, manufacturing, interior design ... the list goes on! This course provides an in-depth introduction to CAD through a series of online and video lessons with many practical projects. Our instructional approach will be very hands-on and largely self-paced. This course is for the absolute beginner with no previous 3D CAD software experience as well as the more experienced student.

Course Objectives

You will:

  • Understand the power and precision of computer aided design and modeling.
  • Ability to construct accurate 2D geometry as well as complex 3D shapes.
  • Ability to use common CAD features such as boss extrude, shells, fillets, chamfers, sweeps, lofts, revolves, etc.
  • Ability to create 2D parts drawings.
  • Ability to utilize productivity improving commands such as patterns and tables to create parts and assemblies.
  • Ability to use SolidWorks Simulation to analyze loading conditions, stress, motion, etc.

Textbook

None required. Curriculum is SolidProfessor which is an online multi-media curriculum accessible with any browser.

Requirements

  • Dropbox account (all work is submitted via Dropbox)
  • Great attitude and a readiness to learn!

Grading/Assessment

  • 70% Weekly assignments
  • 30% Final Exam

Homework

On special occasions there may be homework assigned, but this will be the exception rather than the rule.

Classroom Rules

  1. Be in your seat, ready to go when the bell rings.
  2. Follow directions the first time they are given.
  3. Be willing to try and unafraid of making mistakes!

As always, the school's student conduct expectations are upheld. See the School Handbook for Parents and Students for more detail.

Classroom Procedures

  • Computer work
    • Computers are to be used for class projects.
    • No food, gum or drinks around the computers.
    • At class end: log out, push in chairs, and pick up trash.
  • Late work
    • NO LATE work will be accepted unless a student has an excused absence.
    • Depending on the number of days of excused absences, students will receive the same number of days to make up the work missed.
    • Students will receive 2 GRACE COUPONS to be used for late assignments. Once both GRACE COUPONS are used, late work receives a zero. NO EXCEPTIONS. Each unused GRACE COUPON earns the student 1 point grace on the final test/project.
  • Absences and Tardiness
    • The school's absence & tardiness policies are followed. See the School Handbook for Parents and Students for more detail.
    • Be responsible - find out what you missed and make it up.
  • Use it and lose it
    • Cell phones … use it in class and you lose it for the day.