Free interactive tools for high school engineering & technology classrooms
These free interactive tools were created to support hands-on learning in engineering, physics, and technology classrooms. Originally developed for my students at Wrightstown High School, they are now shared openly with teachers and learners everywhere. Feel free to use them for labs, demonstrations, projects, homework, or professional development; share them with your colleagues and students.
These tools are a work in progress; more are being created and I will refine them as I learn from users. Provide feedback at tools@scotthanneman.com.
Scott Hanneman is a Technology and Engineering Teacher at Wrightstown High School since fall 2010, holding a B.S. in Technology Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He has expanded the curriculum by developing and implementing nine new courses, enabling students to earn over sixteen credits and two certificates with the local Technical College. His teaching approach emphasizes hands-on, iterative learning with projects that foster critical thinking and problem-solving, and he integrates opportunities for technical college credits and industry connections to prepare students for future careers.
| Tool | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Careers | Explore 30 real engineering scenarios across 15 disciplines from Wisconsin Fox Valley employers. Discover 2025 salary data, job growth, education pathways, and express interest for personalized career guidance. | View |
| Tool | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Tension Analysis | Explore cable tension forces in static structures like bridges or cranes. Adjust material, diameter, span, sag, and load to instantly calculate T1/T2 and check safety limits. | View |
| Compression Analysis | Test structural columns under compression loads. Choose material and cross-section, then input dimensions and load to calculate strength, buckling capacity, mass, and volume. | View |
| Truss Method of Joints | Learn the Method of Joints to solve 2D trusses. The tool checks determinacy, calculates reactions, and guides you through each joint with step-by-step visuals and equilibrium equations. | View |
| Beam Shear & Moment | Visualize shear forces and bending moments in cantilever beams. Apply point loads and instantly generate Shear Force Diagrams (SFD) and Bending Moment Diagrams (BMD). | View |
| Beam Analysis | Fully analyze simply supported or cantilever beams under point and distributed loads. Instantly calculate reactions, deflections, stresses, and view shear & moment diagrams. | View |
| Beam Superposition | Optimize support positions to minimize bending moments in beams. Test different loading scenarios using superposition and compare diagrams to find the best design. | View |
| SDoF Modeling | Experiment with single-degree-of-freedom (mass-spring-damper) vibration systems. Adjust parameters to explore natural frequency, damping ratio, and system response. | WIP |
| 4-Bar Linkage | Interactive four-bar linkage simulator. Adjust link lengths and crank angle to visualize real-time motion, calculate rocker output angle, and classify Grashof condition. | View |
| Airfoil Data Digitizer | Extract precise X-Y coordinates from airfoil graphs or photos for aerodynamics projects. Upload images, calibrate edges, and export CSV for analysis or SVG for CAD. | View |
| Liaison Diagram | Build liaison diagrams to visualize how product parts connect. Analyze assembly relationships for better manufacturing and design decisions. | View |
| Tool | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Conduction | Simulate heat transfer between two objects using Fourier’s Law. Adjust materials, temperatures, volumes, and contact area to watch real-time temperature equalization and heat flow. | View |
| Refrigerant Behavior | Explore refrigeration cycles with an interactive R-134a Pressure-Enthalpy diagram. Drag temperature and pressure points to understand phase changes, enthalpy, and energy transfer. | View |
| Heat Pump | Simulate heating and cooling cycles with a heat pump system. Observe Coefficient of Performance (COP) and system efficiency. | WIP |
| Tool | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Series Circuit Troubleshooter | Practice troubleshooting virtual series circuits with a digital multimeter. Identify components, calculate values, diagnose faults, and repair the circuit. | View |
| VEX V5 Code Guide | Ready-to-use programming templates and guide for VEX V5 robots. Includes motors, sensors, autonomous routines, driver controls, and competition-ready examples. | View |
| PID Tuning | Tune a PID controller on a virtual line-following robot in real time. Adjust P, I, and D gains while watching error graphs, lap times, and performance. | View |
| Tool | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| CNC Milling | Upload G-code to validate programs, visualize toolpaths, run safety checks, and generate operator job sheets. | View |
| Easel to Glowforge | Convert Easel project exports into optimized SVG files for Glowforge laser cutters. Customize scale and placement for perfect results. | View |