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Foundations of STEM: Engineering Design

Grades: 9 - 12

©2026, Binary Logic | McGraw Hill
Inspire high school students to think like engineers with Foundations of STEM: Engineering Design. This hands-on course guides learners through the design process from brainstorming and sketching to prototyping and testing. Students learn to work with industry-standard tools, including 3D modeling, 3D printing, and project management software, while using creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and technical fluency to bring product

Program Details

Foundations is an innovative series of titles designed for high school students, each covering a specific area of the digital world. These key features of every Foundations program bring skills to life: 
  • Clear instruction and active learning: Students thrive in their learning when presented with well-defined goals, clear instruction, relevant examples, hands-on activities, and project-based learning.
  • Timely and relevant coverage: Content aligns with the latest industry practices, preparing students for future careers.
  • Complete teacher support: Educators prepare efficiently with a print teacher’s edition, lesson plans, lesson guides, and pre-built assessments.
  • Flexible delivery: Students benefit from a hardbound textbook or use the digital resources complete with an eBook, an adaptive SmartBook®, assessment, videos, and more. 



Students using Foundations of STEM: Engineering Design will:
  • Explore the entire engineering design cycle, from concept and planning to modeling, testing, and refinement.
  • Apply principles of design thinking, material science, project management, and life cycle analysis to real-world challenges.
  • Use 3D modeling software such as FreeCad, Gantt chart tools like GanttProject, and 3D printing platforms like Ultimaker Cura.
  • Build, test, and evaluate physical prototypes while learning to manage timelines, collaborate, and solve problems iteratively.
  • Gain foundational skills for STEM careers through structured lessons with hands-on activities and realistic design tasks.

1. Principles of Engineering Design

  • Lesson 1: Introduction to Engineering Design
  • Lesson 2: Measurements and Materials
  • Lesson 3: The Product Life Cycle
  • Lesson 4: Project Management
  • Lesson 5: Project Management Software

2. Design and Prototyping

  • Lesson 1: Prototyping Fundamentals
  • Lesson 2: Sketching and Modeling
  • Lesson 3: Designing 3D Gears

3. 3D Product Development

  • Lesson 1: Introduction to 3D Printing
  • Lesson 2: Designing and Building a 3D Product
  • Lesson 3: Product Testing and Refining