U-Design

2023 Dates July 17-21

Think Like an Engineer!

U-Design is a fun STEM program with a focus on engineering. It is designed for children who will be entering grades 6-9 in the fall of 2023. Each U-Design workshop offers a hands-on workshop experience to give young students the opportunity to learn about engineering and broader STEM concepts. Students use their creativity and apply the engineering design process as they experiment, design, analyze, build and solve challenging problems.

U-Design is a challenging and creative program developed and taught by an outstanding team of experienced science and engineering technology teachers. In addition to the workshop teacher, a team of Boston University engineering students serve as mentors.

A limited number of scholarships are available for students and families that qualify for state and federal assistance programs. Please contact us for more details or download the PDF below. You may email us at u-design@bu.edu for more information.

  • What do the students say?

    “I can’t wait to go to college and learn all about this stuff.”

    “I liked the feeling of finishing something challenging. All the projects were great.”

    “I like how you could think of something, then build it. It was a lot of fun.”

    “I can’t wait to come back next summer!”

  • What do the parents say?

    “This program exceeded our expectations: my son was engaged and challenged every day. Thank you to all the teaching assistants, engineers, and teachers.” – Parent whose son attended for two summers.

    “My kids loved the program and are inspired to continue projects at home.”

Workshops

Electrical & Mechanical Gizmos
Grades 6–8 students
Electricity and electromagnetism are powerful things! Learn how they work and use them to wire circuits, make security systems, and design and build a secret candy safe with an electromagnetic lock and alarm system. Build a motor, and design your own invention, which could be a strobe light, a carnival game, or who knows what—your imagination is the only limit! This workshop includes a toolbox and materials for students to take home.

Electricity and electromagnetism are powerful things! Learn how they work and use them to wire circuits, make security systems, and design and build a secret candy safe with an electromagnetic lock and alarm system. Build a motor, and design your own invention, which could be a strobe light, a carnival game, or who knows what—your imagination is the only limit! This workshop includes a toolbox and materials for students to take home.

Robo-Alley
Grades 7–9 students

Ever want to make a robot? It’s easier than you think! In two-person teams, you’ll build machines that react to their surroundings, and complete design challenges such as 3-D obstacle course races, search-and-rescue missions, and a final interactive competition (soccer, sumo battles, or other sports). We’ll be using the Lego Mindstorms robotics kits for fun and easy building. No previous programming or building experience required— there will be progressive challenges for every level of expertise, even if you already own a Mindstorms kit!

Flight School
Grades 6-9 students

Want to know how planes fly or how rockets glide? How are balloons like boats? Why can’t we fly like birds? Through hands-on activities and design challenges, learn flight principles such as thrust, lift, and drag. Build, fly and crash your custom-designed gliders and rockets. You’ll put your designs to the test and compete for records such as longest airtime, greatest distance traveled, and highest altitude reached.

Registration 2023

Registration Link

Tuition: $450 for the first student and $425 for any additional student.

Registration is limited to 20 students per workshop. Credit card payments can be made using AMEX, DISC, MC, or VISA.

 

Questions?

Contact us by e-mail at u-design@bu.edu