According to Wachutka, a few reason influenced the decision to bring the program to Park, including the fulfillment of the Cargill grant and focus on standards.

“The science standards have a fairly strong engineering focus, and there are only a few courses that really look hard into engineering,” Wachutka said.

The class is intended for sophomores because they will be able to participate in the three-year program.

Wachutka said the program will include little classroom instruction, focusing on hands-on and applied work.

Students will spend class time working through the class in segments called modules.

“I can see each year there will be less and less classroom instruction,” Wachutka said. “By year two and three, there will be very little of that because there will be a lot of discovery and problem solving.”

Sophomore Jessica Kasper said she thinks this is a good option for students who learn in different ways.

“Some people learn better by actually doing the work instead of just sitting in a chair,” Kasper said.

Wachutka said he believes the program will open up more career possibilities for students and help them understand the engineering and design side of things.

“It’s just another avenue to look at because the science department doesn’t have anything in this vein of things,” Wachutka said.

Freshman George Hare said he thinks the class will build on his existing knowledge.

“Engineering would be a way to expand some of the skills that I’m already picking up on in programs, such as robotics,” Hare said.

According to Wachutka, all students are welcome to sign up for Engineering I for the upcoming school year.

Students need to be motivated workers.

“The audience has to be a fairly motivated group of individuals, if they want to be successful,” Wachutka said.