Designcenter Solid Edge resources for educators
Siemens Digital Industries Software is dedicated to preparing the next generation of digital talent with the engineering and design skills employers demand, offering problem-based curricula, industry-leading software, training resources, and professional certification.
We offer educators, academic institutions, and learners of all ages free access to the Designcenter Solid Edge portfolio, including user-friendly software tools for product development, problem-based curriculum resources, educator training, on-demand tutorials, and industry certification.
Hour of Engineering
Inspire students to explore engineering
Introducing the Hour of Engineering, an online learning resource for middle school educators designed to ignite student interest in STEM. Access standards-aligned content and guided lessons that make learning engaging and interactive.
Academic Software
Solid Edge Academic Institution Bundle
Our complete Solid Edge portfolio is available to academic institutions free of charge via the Siemens grant process. The academic bundle includes:
Solid Edge Premium
Our comprehensive 3D CAD package includes simulation, electrical routing, and pipe and tube routing.
Solid Edge Simulation Advanced
A built-in finite element analysis (FEA) tool lets users digitally validate parts and assemblies, minimizing the need for physical prototypes.
Solid Edge CAM 5-Axis Mill
Advanced capabilities for simultaneous multi-axis cutting of complex surfaces, including automatic and manual methods, multiple drive options, and versatile tool axis controls.
Solid Edge Wiring & Harness Design
Solid Edge provides advanced wiring and harness design with seamless ECAD/MCAD integration.
Solid Edge P&ID Design
Design automated pipe systems using intelligent databases and processes that adhere to industry standards.
Solid Edge Piping Design
Automatically generate complete piping systems and bills of materials with a comprehensive 3D standard parts library.
Solid Edge Model Based Definition
Define parts and assemblies with interactive 3D models, minimizing the need for complex 2D drawings while staying compliant with industry standards.
Solid Edge 3D Publishing
Create customizable multi-page technical documents and interactive product illustrations.
Take full advantage of the Solid Edge Academic Institution Bundle.
Free CAD software for educators
From elementary school through university—including homeschoolers, self-learners, and afterschool clubs—the Designcenter Solid Edge Student Edition gives learners free access to the same professional software used in industry.
Free CAD software for students
Educators who haven’t yet applied for the Academic Institution Bundle can also download a free version of Designcenter Solid Edge for independent study or classroom use.
Featured Story
A young designer finds her calling through Solid Edge
The Ashley Kimbel Story
When Ashley Kimbel, a 17-year-old engineering student from Alabama, set out to design a better prosthetic foot for a wounded Marine Corps veteran, she used Solid Edge to bring her idea to life. Discover the inspiring story of Ashley and Kendall Bane and how technology made a meaningful impact.
Curriculum Resources
Secondary School Curriculum
Project-Based Learning
One of the key advantages of STEM education is its ability to integrate and apply learning across multiple subjects. This approach helps students see the real-world relevance of concepts typically taught separately in secondary school. A comprehensive, project-based design makes the curriculum both rigorous and meaningful, helping students answer questions such as “Why do I need to learn this?” and “Where will I use it?” It also prepares them for a smooth transition to a two- or four-year college program or an industry certification.
A project-based learning curriculum encourages in-depth exploration of real-world problems. Each project enables student teams to develop unique solutions to the same challenge, giving them the opportunity to plan, organize, and conduct research. “Enabling activities” provide the knowledge and skills students need at the right time, helping them progress toward effective solutions. Students apply their research throughout the design process, including prototyping, testing, evaluation, and redesign.
Siemens offers a range of courses based on the Project-Based Learning methodology and aligned with educational standards. These courses can be delivered as full-year standalone classes or as semester courses within a double-period block schedule.
The following features are included as part of the curricula design:
- Project- and problem-based
- Integrated using the latest College and Career Readiness Standards and Next-Generation Science Standards
- Require students to do research, design and development, and communication of design solutions
- Use the engineering problem-solving process
- Require students to keep an engineering notebook
- Appropriate for all students
- Provide schools with a list of supplies for all course projects
Engineering Design Course
This introductory engineering design course encourages students to work in teams to solve real-world design challenges. Students research, design, develop, and communicate their solutions while learning the fundamentals of CAD software to create and evaluate their designs. The course also incorporates extensive use of 3D printing, allowing students to produce physical models and explore key design-for-manufacturing concepts.
This course prepares students for Solid Edge Certification (Level 1).
Manufacturing & Automation Course
This course is intended for students who have completed the Engineering Design course. It provides hands-on experience in developing designs, preparing them for machining, and creating the manufacturing automation required to control production processes. Siemens software is used as a problem-solving tool to develop and implement effective solutions.
This course prepares students for Siemens PLC and Solid Edge Certification.
Mechatronics & the Internet of Things (IoT)
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how different systems interact and work together. It engages students in applying concepts from design, electricity and electronics, computer science, manufacturing, automation, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and secure machine-to-machine communication over the internet. Working in teams, students research challenges and develop solutions related to Industry 4.0 and Web 4.0 technologies.
Engineering Research & Design
This course challenges students to form teams to identify, research, and create a unique solution to an existing problem. Teams will work to gauge market interest in their proposed solution and will be responsible for developing and documenting research as it applies to the creation of a prototype solution to their identified problem.
Student teams design a business model for creation of the product and apply lean design concepts to develop a plan for manufacture. Teams explore concepts of lean manufacturing and statistical process control (SPC) and how Six Sigma is used to keep waste to a minimum and maximize profits.
At the end of the course, students present the results of their research, prototype development, business plan, and how they optimized the manufacturing process.
University & Technical College Curriculum
Introduction to Engineering Graphics Course
This course is designed to be an introductory engineering graphics class for first-year university and technical college students who are seeking degrees in mechanical engineering or product design.
- The goal of this course is to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to teach students how to confidently and effectively use 3D CAD software, while building the mechanical foundation needed for further education and future careers.
- This course serves as an introduction to 3D CAD for educators who are new to the subject and is designed for first-year university students and advanced high school programs.
- This course focuses on core engineering graphics concepts with a creative, artistic approach, fostering an environment for innovative 3D thinking and problem-solving.
- This course is delivered as a step-by-step PowerPoint guide with embedded videos, including exercises and activities that build skills in a logical sequence. It is suitable for both face-to-face classroom instruction and online learning. Topics covered include Solid Modeling, Parts, Assemblies, Detail Drawings, and Motion.
Solid Edge training for educators
Our online training programs empower STEM educators with the tools, strategies, and confidence to engage students in hands-on, real-world learning, helping students develop career-ready critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Siemens Learning Center
The free Solid Edge for Education and Community Library, available through the Siemens Learning Center, offers a comprehensive collection of on-demand learning resources. It covers topics ranging from basic sketching techniques to advanced product design. The library allows students to learn Solid Edge through short, focused lessons that support both self-paced learning and instructor-led courses. All content is designed to help learners prepare for Solid Edge Certification and support their future career growth.
The library features nine learning paths that include more than 1,300 topics, over 190 individual chapters, and more than 70 hours of video content.
Solid Edge Certification
A Solid Edge Certification provides you with an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates proficiency with Solid Edge software and distinguishes you within the Solid Edge design community.
We offer three levels of Solid Edge certification: Associate, Professional, and Expert.
Student Competitions
To further aid and accelerate students learning, Siemens is proud to support STEM-based competition programs. These extracurricular programs provide real-world context for learning that is fun, while encouraging creativity, critical thinking and team-building.
FIRST Robotics
FIRST® inspires students’ interest in science and technology through program-based learning. It provides hands-on experiences that help students develop essential skills for future careers, all while fostering engagement and enjoyment.
Greenpower
The Greenpower program and curriculum were created to enhance education in engineering and technology for students aged 9 to 25. Through a hands-on project, participants design, build, and race electric cars. As the title sponsor, Siemens proudly supports Greenpower and provides participating schools and students with free access to Solid Edge software.
Access Greenpower x Solid Edge resources →
F1 in Schools Global STEM Competition
F1 in Schools™ is a global, multi-disciplinary challenge for students aged 9 to 19. Teams use CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyze, manufacture, test, and race miniature compressed-air-powered model F1 cars that meet strict qualifying specifications.
Download this tutorial to experience designing this example car in Solid Edge.
Solar Car Challenge
The Solar Car Challenge was created to inspire students in science and engineering while promoting awareness of alternative energy. The program teaches high school students worldwide how to design and build roadworthy solar-powered cars. As sponsor, Siemens proudly supports the initiative and provides participating schools and students with free Solid Edge software.
Design a garden bird house
Level: Middle School, High School | Difficulty: Beginner
Learn 3D CAD fundamentals by designing a garden birdhouse, using sketching, assemblies, and exploded part views.
Create a rocket with advanced CAD design
Level: High School | Difficulty: Intermediate
Learn advanced CAD design principles by building a rocket, applying skills in sketching, holes, assemblies, sheet-metal design, and creating a bill of materials.
Level: High School | Difficulty: Intermediate
This tutorial covers all the core capabilities of Solid Edge, including part modeling, assembly creation, and detailed drawing production.
Additional STEM Classroom Resources
Wind Power
This comprehensive STEM resource provides structured teaching and learning activities focused on wind power. Students explore the scientific and engineering principles behind wind energy while learning to design a functional wind turbine using Solid Edge. The resource includes both introductory and advanced project-based activities, supported by teacher guides, presentations, student materials, Solid Edge tutorials, and relevant datasets.
Introduction to FEA
This project introduces students to key engineering concepts, including forces in materials, physical testing methods, and finite element analysis (FEA). It provides a complete set of teaching resources, including detailed teacher notes, classroom materials, step-by-step tutorials, and homework assignments. The project is suitable for all schools and is particularly relevant for those participating in the Greenpower Challenge.
STEM Lectures
This collection of four classroom lectures focuses on important areas of the secondary STEM curriculum. Developed by teachers for teachers, the resource includes classroom presentations, comprehensive teacher notes, student activity sheets, and homework tasks to support effective learning and classroom delivery.
Download Electrical Conductors lecture ⭳
Customer Stories
How educators and students are benefiting from Solid Edge
Teaching students to think and learn using a real-world curriculum
Read the Customer Story
The Alchemy of CTE
Read the Customer Story