Principles of Engineering (POE) is a survey course that helps to expose students to some of the major
concepts that they will encounter in a postsecondary engineering course of study. Through problems
that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including
mechanisms, the strength of materials and structures, automation, and kinematics. The course
applies and concurrently develops secondary level knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, and
technology.
Students have the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of course concepts through
activity-, project-, and problem-based (APB) learning. By solving rigorous and relevant design
problems using engineering and science concepts within a collaborative learning environment, APB
learning challenges students to continually hone their interpersonal skills, creative abilities, and
problem-solving skills. Students will also learn how to document their work and communicate their
solutions to their peers and members of the professional community. It also allows students to
develop strategies to enable and direct their own learning, which is the ultimate goal of education.