PCA’s Engineering Seniors Present Their Capstone Projects
Each year, PCA’s Engineering Academy seniors are tasked with completing a Capstone Project, which marks the apex of their high school engineering career. As freshmen, PCA Engineering Academy students begin classes with Mr. Dean and learn introductory engineering skills such as processes for researching, developing, designing, and analyzing. As they continue their high school career, they begin implementing their accumulated knowledge into a Capstone project.
The student’s primary goal of their Capstone project is to fill the gap in market needs and build systems revolving around those needs in innovative ways. It was apparent in the students’ presentations that while each group reached eventual success, it took plenty of trial and error, which encouraged them to work together to find a solution strategically.
Below is a list of each group member with their Capstone project.
The Animal Ramp: Alex Annotti, Benjamin Allen, Riley Saele
For years, homeowners have worried about leaving their pets outside near a pool due to potential accidents, leading to the pet not being able to get out.
That is why Alex Annotti, Benjamin Allen, and Riley Saele came together to produce the Animal Ramp. Their idea stemmed from meeting a crucial need while also coming up with original ideas that are more cost-effective than current options on the market. After many experiments with a group member’s dog getting out of the pool safely with the Animal Ramp, the group proudly presented their project to the room of classmates, faculty, and engineering professionals.
Better Protection for your Lawn Equipment: Cohen Palmore, Cole Houston, Charlie Sikes
As students with their own lawn care business, Cohen Palmore, Cole Houston, and Charlie Sikes knew of a specific lawn equipment problem all too well. A common issue for truck drivers with an uncovered trailer is the lack of protection for their lawn equipment, especially during the typical summer afternoon showers in Alabama. The three students decided to create a system attached to the trailer where the owner could easily pull out a tarp on top of a lawn mower (or other lawn equipment). The class walked outside to see the group member’s lawn mower effectively covered and the speed at which the process can take place.
Truck Bed Storage Device: Ty Wolfe, Jace Copeland, Jacob Sabir, Hannah Jones
As a similar problem to lawn equipment, the same can be said for more general items like groceries. After all, no one wants the groceries they just purchased to get rained on and potentially ruined, so Ty Wolfe, Jace Copeland, Jacob Sabir, and Hannah Jones presented a solution that revolves around using few supplies in creating a storage option. For those without a Tonneau cover on their truck or the budget for one, this cost-effective covering would be ideal for truck drivers.
Not only does the Capstone project prepare students for college-level engineering classes or college-level classes in general, but it also allows them to get creative and brainstorm ways to solve problems among their peers. Our graduates become equipped with skills in critical thinking, design, leadership, teamwork, and the application of technological and scientific knowledge. In fact, 60% of this year’s PCA Engineering Academy graduates plan to enter college in the fall, majoring in engineering. We are proud to offer our Engineering Academy to students and thankful for the great success they have achieved through it.
