Examples of Project Based Learning in Engineering

Mr. Fergus Riach

Curriculum specialist for Engineering

January 2017
Project Objectives
Ideally All Engineering Projects should :
• Be relevant to engineering industry and to the student
• Be challenging
• Be achievable
• Be enjoyable and inspiring
• Encourage creativity and innovation
• Give ownership and pride in completion
• Allow holistic delivery and assessment
(Integrated over a range of units and elements)
1. Beam Compass Project
The Project Brief
To manufacture a high quality brass beam compass and a wooden or
plastic display case / holder using workshop machine tools.
Beam Compass Project Tasks
(Lessons, instructions, worksheets and detail & assembly drawings given)
In this project Students demonstrated competence in:
1. 2D orthographic drawing (Technical drawing or AutoCAD)
2. 3D isometric drawing (using 3D AutoCAD)
3. Reading Specifications and Engineering drawings
4. Planning for manufacture
5. Basic CAM /CNC programming for holder
6. Basic Turning
7. Basic milling
8. Thread cutting
9. Assembly and testing
Beam Compass Project Outcomes
The following PCs could be demonstrated in this project:
• ENG3123 Technical Drawing (T1)
• Read and interpret Technical Drawings (E1 PC1-PC7)

• ENG3120 Demonstrate OHS (T1)

• Read and follow procedures for Signs, hazards, PPE : (E1 PC1, PC2, PC5, PC6)

• ENG3117 Perform Engineering Measurement (T1)

• Estimate volume of material required, estimate weight (E2 PC1, PC4)
• , tolerances (E5 PC1, PC3, PC4)

• ENG3118 Workshop Tasks (T1)

• Planning, selecting tools and measurements (All pcs E1-E3)

• ENG4077 CAD (T2)

• Set up & produce & print drawings (E2 PC1, PC3, E3 PC1-PC6)

• ENG4079 Operate Production Machines (T3)

• Follow job cards, make a batch of compasses for the team (E1 PC1-PC7, E3 PC1-PC4)

• ENG3121 Working with others (T3)

• Group organization and presentation (E1 PC1 – PC4, E3 PC1 & PC4)

• ENG4084 Integrated Project (T3)

• Group project covers all elements & PCs (E1, PC1-PC5, E2 PC1-PC6, E3 PC1-PC6)
2. Alarmed Tool Box Project
The Project Brief
To manufacture a small, galvanised steel toolbox which should be
lockable and contain a movement alarm to prevent theft.
Alarmed Toolbox Project Tasks
(Lessons, instructions, specifications, circuit diagram and all drawings given)
Students Demonstrated Competence at GCSE Level (NQA Level 4)
1. Reading and interpreting Specifications & Drawings
2. Selecting tools & Materials
3. Working Safely
4. Basic Machining
5. Sheet metal work
6. Reading Electronic circuits.
7. PCB and circuit manufacture
8. Assembly and fitting
Alarmed Toolbox Project Outcomes
This Project Formed part of the GCSE in Engineering qualification.

This was easily achievable and students were able to take their projects home on completion.

One student who completed this project achieved GCSE Engineering marks in the top ten for all
schools in England
3. Tap Wrench Project 100 84
33.5 20 D4.5
Knurl D9.5 Knurl

Students Demonstrated Competence in :

2.5

1. Reading and interpreting Job cards & Drawings

30 10 30
5 5
Plan View (Body) Plan View (Handle)

12
Tap M8
C'Drill D8 D11

2. Selecting tools & Materials D11

5
30 30
18

3. Working Safely
Thread M8
Sectional View (Body) Sectional View (Handle)

4. Basic Turning, Milling & thread cutting Tap Wrench

Matl. 16mm M/S Bar

5. Maintaining work area Note : all dimensions +/- 1mm unless otherwise stated
Scale 1:1
D rn : F ri
Dim : mm
Date :2/7/07

This short project was easily achievable and produced a recognised engineering product that students could
take home on completion
 4. Chain Link Remover Project
Students Demonstrated Competence in :
1. Reading design drawings
2. Working Safely
3. Basic turning, milling, drilling & threading
4. Basic oxy-acetylene brazing

This short project was easily achievable and produced a recognised product that
students could take home on completion.
5. Bottle Opener Project

Students Demonstrated Competence in :

1. Design
2. Working Safely
3. Manual skills working in mild steel and acrylic
4. Finishing and testing

This short project was easily achievable and produced a recognised product that students could take home
on completion.
6. Various Electronic Projects
(for GCSE in Electronics )

Students demonstrated competence in

1. PCB manufacture
2. Working safely
3. Soldering and Circuit construction
4. Circuit Testing
Engineering Student Projects at Level 4/5
Guitar Stand Angle Lamp
These long projects allowed
students to demonstrate
competence in both design
and manufacture at Level
4/5
Designs were developed
and followed by the
students themselves with
guidance.
Engineering Student Projects at Level 5/6
Hand pedal front wheel drive for a trike
Exercise machine
(Trike for the disabled)
These long projects
allowed students to
demonstrate
competence in both
design and
manufacture at level
5/6
Designs were fully
developed and
followed by the
students themselves
with limited guidance.
Engineering Student Projects at Level 5/6
Bike Trailer

(Regional Prize winner for

Young Engineer) Car Roof Storage

These long projects allowed

students to demonstrate
competence in both design and
manufacture at level 5/6
Designs were fully developed
and followed by the students
themselves with limited
guidance.