In an Innovative Engineering Design class filled with the hum of curiosity and the clinks of tools, students at Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy (NDA) are breaking the mold of how they learn. Under the guidance of veteran engineer turned educator Craig Orange, high schoolers are delving into the intricate world of reverse engineering, a process that involves dissecting gadgets to uncover their inner workings.
“Reverse engineering is the methodical deconstruction of an object to unravel its functionality and design,” said Mr. Orange. “The process is divided into three phases: visual analysis, functional analysis, and structural analysis. Through these stages, students learn to observe, understand, and ultimately recreate or improve upon the artifacts they encounter.”
In Mr. Orange’s class, students embark in hands-on activities centered around engineering processes. From concept sketching to solid modeling, this classroom is designed to foster creativity and problem-solving skills.
“The class is rigorous, but it’s also fun,” Mr. Orange explained. “We have many assignments with a lot of writing, but we ensure that learning is enjoyable and engaging. Take a cell phone, for example. Most kids have one but take for granted how it works. Seeing the students’ amazement on how intricately the device is assembled never gets old.”
With innovative educators like Mr. Orange leading the charge, high schoolers are not only learning about reverse engineering but also gaining invaluable skills that will shape their futures in the ever-evolving world of engineering and technology.