Engineering Mathematics Program Description

UNC Charlotte STEM Pre-College Program – Saturday Academy

Fall 2024 Engineering Program students constructing a windmill.

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Registration for Spring 2026 will open on October 27, 2025 thru January 9, 2026 or until capacity is reached for all programs. Please click on the program link below to begin the registration process.

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