Imagine creating a three-dimensional puzzle that is a cube when you put it together, but various shapes when taken apart. First you must draw the shapes, using your drafting skills. Then you must put the shapes on the computer using special software. Third, you actually build the puzzle to specifications.

That is the basic approach to Introduction to Engineering Design, the new engineering course offered at Albert Lea High School.

At our recent school board meeting, we had the opportunity to visit with some students and teachers that are involved in the first semester of the introductory course. They came to tell us of their experiences and what they felt they got out of it.

I wish I was a competent enough writer to be able to describe the enthusiasm of the students. They have found a course that excites and challenges them in ways they haven’t had before — a course that a few of them hope to begin building a career on.

Building a career is just what the course was designed for. There is currently a shortage of engineers in the United States. This and several other courses in this program were developed to bridge that gap.

Last summer, Mike Sundblad and Casey McIntyre attended the University of Minnesota for Project Lead the Way training. They spent more than 80 hours in training over the course of two weeks learning the curriculum and using the software for the course. Funding for the training was due to the generous donations from Lou-Rich, Sorenson Brothers Construction, Hormel and Alliant Energy.

Two more teachers will go this summer and learn to teach the next segment of these foundation courses of the Project Lead the Way program. These students will strive to complete three of the foundation courses, one specialization course and a capstone course by the time they graduate.

The foundation courses are Principles of Engineering, Introduction to Engineering (the one currently offered at ALHS) and Digital Electronics.

The specialization courses include things like aeronautics, biotechnical engineering and civil engineering.

The capstone course is an engineering design and development course.

The students talked about the link between science and math in engineering and the great learning opportunity of actually working hands on with mass, weight and calculations.

Mike Sundblad, instructor, said that this is all very relevant, because students looking for a career in engineering or a skilled trade will have the distinct advantage of having the engineering basics.

The students get an additional bonus upon completing the courses with a certain grade and taking the college level exam. They earn three University of Minnesota college credits for a nominal fee $25 per credit. This represents a huge savings to students who may pursue this degree through the U of M or any school which accepts credits from the University of Minnesota.

As a school board member, I am proud we have the ability to offer courses like this. It is a win-win situation. Students and teachers are enthused and ultimately we will someday have greater numbers of qualified engineers.

Sally Ehrhardt is a member of the Albert Lea school board.