Summer SAVY, Session 3 Day 5, “Circuitry, Systems, and Design: Electrical Engineering” (3rd-4th)
Dear Students and Parents,
Today marked the culmination of an incredible week in Circuitry Systems & Design, where curiosity met creativity and science came to life through the minds of our young engineers. Over the past five days, students have journeyed from foundational concepts of electricity to the complex task of designing a fully functional electrical system for a recreational complex. Day 5 was a celebration of that journey – a day of final presentations, thoughtful reflection, and well-earned pride.
The morning began with a quiet buzz of anticipation as teams made final adjustments to their blueprints, models, and talking points. Each group was tasked with presenting their comprehensive electrical plan, demonstrating not only how electricity would be distributed throughout their complex but also how their design accounted for safety, efficiency, and resilience. Students explained the logic behind their use of series and parallel circuits, the placement of power sources and switches, and the integration of backup systems to prepare for emergencies like storms and outages.
What stood out most was the depth of understanding and the clarity with which students communicated their ideas. They spoke confidently about the science behind their designs, using vocabulary like “load,” “current,” “redundancy,” and “insulation” with ease. Many teams included working circuit models or visual aids to bring their concepts to life. Some even simulated power failures to show how their backup systems would respond – an impressive demonstration of applied learning and systems thinking.
Beyond the technical aspects, students reflected on the collaborative process that brought their projects to life. They discussed how they divided responsibilities, resolved disagreements, and adapted their designs based on trial and error. These moments revealed the deeper learning that took place this week: the development of critical thinking, communication, and perseverance.
To close the day, we gathered as a class to reflect on the week as a whole. Students shared what they had learned, what challenged them, and what they were most proud of. We revisited the essential question that guided our work: How can we use our understanding of electricity to solve real-world problems? The answers were thoughtful and inspiring, ranging from “by designing safer buildings” to “by making sure people have power during storms.” It was clear that students were leaving not just with knowledge, but with a sense of purpose and possibility.
💬 Reflection Questions for Home
As we wrap up this powerful week, here are some deeper questions to explore with your child:
- What part of your final project do you think best shows your understanding of electricity?
- How did your thinking about electricity change from the beginning of the week to now?
- What did you learn about working with others that you’ll take with you into future projects?
- Why do you think engineers need to plan for emergencies like power outages?
- If you could redesign your complex with unlimited resources, what would you add or improve?
🎓 A Week to Remember
Circuitry Systems & Design was more than a simple course. It was a launchpad for innovation, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving. We are incredibly proud of each student’s growth, effort, and imagination. Thank you, families, for your support and encouragement throughout this journey. We hope this experience has sparked a lasting interest in science, engineering, and the power of ideas.