Engineering
Mulholland Engineering Education
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Mulholland Middle School offers Engineering classes for grades 7 & 8. The classes are offered to students from all programs within our campus community. Engineering can be a demanding discipline and students must demonstrate the ability to work without constant direction, problem solve, and follow classroom safety procedures without exception. Our classroom/shop is outfitted with industry standard equipment (3D printers, laser cutter, CNC machines, vacuum former, and various handheld tools and power tools. Students begin learning computer assisted design (CAD) in 7th grade and utilize industry standard CAD software (Fusion 360) in 8th grade.7th grade students learn traditional drafting (multiview orthographic projections) and progress into CAD, balanced with hands on build activities where they apply their developing design skills while learning to safely use materials and tools. 8th grade students transition to professional CAD software and builds of increasing complexity. The premier activity is the design and construction of a 1/10th scale remote controlled hydrogen fuel cell powered car. All students in the class work as part of a team to develop their car. The class room cars participate in an endurance race to prove out their design and build. Students who distinguish themselves in this process are invited to represent our program in the Hydrogen Grand Prix, an international hydrogen fuel cell vehicle competition.
CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE): General Information
Our Engineering classes are part of the Los Angeles Unified School District's Career Technical Education (CTE). CTE programs provide students with the academic and technical skill, knowledge and training necessary to succeed in future careers and to become lifelong learners.
In total, about 12.5 million high school and college students are enrolled in CTE across the nation. CTE prepares these learners for the world of work by introducing them to workplace competencies, and makes academic content accessible to students by providing it in a hands-on context. In fact, the high school graduation rate for CTE concentrators is about 90% - 15 percentage points higher than the national average. Additionally, many high paying careers in emerging fields do not require college degrees, rather industry certifications. Many CTE programs lead to these certifications by high school graduation.
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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What it the level of math required for the CTE Engineering Pathway?
It is helpful for a student if math is an area of strength. In general, it is expected that students understand grade level math concepts.
What is a pathway?
A pathway is similar to an elective but so much more. A pathway refers to a sequence of courses in a specific field. For example. Mulholland Middle School has an Engineering Pathway. Students in this path would take Drafting in 7th and Introduction to Architecture and Engineering in the 8th grade. These class would prepare students for high school engineering classes and eventually a career in this area.
What does it meant to be hands-on?
Students learn by doing. For example, student teams in the Engineering Pathway will be given a model fuel cell car that they have to assemble, modify, and race.
What are the goals of the program?
Two of the most important goals of the program are:.
- Provide equitable and inclusive opportunities for all students
- Increase the number of students who pursue engineering programs that result in certification or a college degree.