Engineering Mathematics Program Description

UNC Charlotte STEM Pre-College Program – Saturday Academy

Fall 2024 Engineering Program students constructing a windmill.

MS Mad Scientist Laboratory
MS Python Pioneers

The Engineering Mathematics component of the UNC Charlotte STEM Pre-College Program offers middle school students (grades 6–8) an exciting opportunity to explore the intersection of mathematics, engineering, and scientific inquiry through hands-on, standards-aligned activities. Designed to spark curiosity and build foundational STEM skills, this program integrates North Carolina mathematics standards with engineering principles and Science Olympiad-style challenges.

Program Dates & Location

Sessions will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the UNC Charlotte Woodward Building, 8812 Craver Rd, Charlotte, NC 28223 on the following dates:

  • January 24
  • February 7 and 21
  • March 21
  • April 18

Virtual Thursday Sessions will be held from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on:

  • March 5
  • April 30

Each Virtual Thursday will feature a STEM professional guest speaker, offering students insight into real-world applications of engineering and mathematics.

Special Events

Spring 2026 will also include:

  • Participation in the STEAM Innovation Expo (April)
  • Competitions with other Pre-College Program sites across North Carolina

These events provide students with opportunities to showcase their skills, collaborate with peers, and engage with the broader STEM community.

Instruction Format

Each in-person session includes:

  • 1.5 hours of instruction by one certified mathematics instructor or graduate student
  • A 15-minute break
  • 1.5 hours of instruction by the second instructor

Eligibility & Enrollment

  • Open to students in grades 6–8 with a minimum grade of “C” in math and science and an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Enrollment period: October 27, 2025 – January 9, 2026
  • Maximum of 50 students will be accepted
  • Application requirements:
    • Completed application form
    • $125.00 application fee
    • Most recent report card or Infinite Campus/PowerSchool report

For questions, contact: stem-precollege@charlotte.edu.  Learn more: STEM Saturday Academy

Sample Topics & Activities

1. Bridge Building & Load Testing

  • Concepts: Geometry, ratios, structural engineering
  • Activity: Design and construct model bridges using popsicle sticks, then test strength and calculate efficiency.

2. Rocket Trajectory & Angle Optimization

  • Concepts: Trigonometry, measurement, physics of motion
  • Activity: Launch foam rockets at varying angles, record data, and graph results to determine optimal trajectory.

3. Water Filtration Challenge

  • Concepts: Volume, data analysis, environmental engineering
  • Activity: Build water filtration systems, measure flow rates, and evaluate clarity and design effectiveness.

4. Math in Motion: Robotics & Programming

  • Concepts: Coordinate planes, logic, algebraic thinking
  • Activity: Program robots to navigate mazes using math-based logic and spatial reasoning.

5. Catapult Design & Energy Transfer

  • Concepts: Measurement, energy, algebra
  • Activity: Construct mini catapults, launch projectiles, and calculate kinetic energy and accuracy.
Registration