What is Spatial Visualization? It is the ability to mentally manipulate 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional figures. This is an important skill that all engineers must have!

OVERVIEW
In this course, we will introduce the concept of spatial visualization, why it is important, and begin flexing our spatial visualization muscles. In week 1, we will start with learning how to draw cube stacks from coded plans. We will build on this by rotating these cube stacks in our mind and we will learn how to draw these cube stacks on isometric dot and isometric graph paper. Isometric drawings, like those we practice in class, are a key component of engineering drawings.

In week 2 we will build on our new skills by creating orthographic drawings which is essential for design manufacturing. These drawings communicate every detail about our design specs to engineering teams. We will create orthographic drawings of our cube stacks and learn the basic rules on how to create them properly. We will not go into extreme detail on how to do these because these rules can change depending on companies/teams/schools/etc. so we are only focusing on the basics of how to draw them and their importance. Plus, these can get very complicated and this is only a beginner's course. 

CONTENT
Week 1

Day 1:
• Introduce engineering drawings
• Build cube stacks from coded plans
• Isometric drawings
• Isometric buildings, drawings, and views
• Corner views

Day 2: 
• Rotated cube stacks
• Alternative views
• More difficult cube stacks

Week 2

Day 1:
• Orthographic drawings
• Standard drawing layout and rules

Day 2: 
• Create a completed engineering drawing
• Drawing sheets
• Real-world applications

CLASS STRUCTURE + ATMOSPHERE
The class is lecture-based. I take breaks for students to practice drawing along with me. At the end of class, we will begin working on our worksheets if we have time. My teaching style is very laid back. Students are welcome to ask questions throughout the lecture.

This class is essentially content that would be seen in a college-level engineering design course that I have broken down for the high school level. I can go as slow or as fast as students need me to go. Each class has a set of worksheets that we will try to start in class and can be finished at home. These are not required but are recommended as spatial visualization is a skill that requires practice. 

PRE-REQUISITE
This is a beginner's level course. The only prerequisite is that your students should be able to draw a cube. A lot of this class revolves around drawing and manipulating (mental) cube stacks.