The Ignite Institute will showcased two extraordinary student-built engineering projects today giving members of the media and the public an opportunity to see firsthand what students can accomplish through hands-on, project-based learning. The featured projects are a fully student-built airplane and an electric four-wheel bicycle designed to drive much like a car.
The electric four-wheel bicycle is an innovative vehicle that combines the experience of riding a bicycle with features that allow it to be driven more like a small car. The project challenged students to apply concepts in engineering, electronics, mechanics, fabrication and problem-solving. The airplane represents an even more ambitious undertaking, with students applying engineering and technical skills to the design and construction of an aircraft. Today provided a first look at the students' work and the learning that went into bringing the project from an idea to a functioning aircraft.
"These projects are exactly what we want an Ignite education to look like," said Don Black, Assistant, Principal of the Ignite Institute. "Our students aren't simply learning about engineering from a textbook. They are designing, building, testing, solving problems and creating things that are real. The airplane and the four-wheel electric bicycle are incredible examples of what happens when we give students the opportunity, the resources and the confidence to build something themselves."
