Conference Session

What's New in Statics?

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kevin Dong, Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

,bending stress, horizontal shear stress plus combined axial and bending elements. The plan wasto group similar topics together so students could make a connection between the statics topicand a related strength of materials topic: or more simply put, relate what happens externally towhat happens internally.As an example, in the new sequence students analyze beams using shear and moment diagramsand then evaluate the stresses by calculating moments of inertia using the parallel axis theoremand bending theory in the same class. The intent is for students to draw a direct correlationbetween why we develop shear and moment diagrams and what it’s used for, rather than learninghow to draw the diagrams in statics and then in the next term learn how to

Conference Session

Back to Basics in Mechanics

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Martinazzi, University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown; Brian Houston, University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

option - Easy [15 points], Medium [20 points], Hard [25points]. Who Wants to be an Engine-aire Students work problem at board. They can poll the audience, get a hint from the instructor, or “phone” a friend. A 5 point deduction is given for each lifeline used. Page 11.646.4Implementation The implementation plan involved incorporating the results of the efforts from the Spring2004/05 term into the Spring 2005/06 semester. There was a one semester lag since the course isnot taught in the Fall term. This set the stage for the “Five Surprises” prototype testing

Conference Session

Teaching with Technology in Dynamics and Mechanics of Materials

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rungun Nathan, Villanova University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

theaddition of streaming videos for asynchronous instructions. Qualitative feedbackindicates a positive response from students. Rigorous assessment is planned forevaluating the efficacy of these technologies.IntroductionBoyer1 in his report talks about reinventing undergraduate education by taking severalsteps which include the use of information technology creatively for enhancingundergraduate education. Hake2 has shown that interactive engagement increases theconceptual understanding and problem solving ability of students in a mechanics course.Cooperative learning3, 4, and peer instruction5 have shown to be beneficial in classroomsand in the enhancement of student learning. According to Patricia Cross (a leadingeducator), “We have more information

Conference Session

What's New in Statics?

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Shane Palmquist, Western Kentucky University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

an opportunity to work hands-on on a realengineering structure, to see and feel members and joints of a real bridge. Students wererequired to perform a preliminary inspection of the truss superstructure, spans 1 through 3. Thisinvolved three components: basic bridge geometry (since plans of the structure do not exist),member properties, and locating notable areas of deterioration. Basic bridge geometry includedlength of truss (lower cord), distance between panel points, lengths of vertical, diagonal andbottom chord members, transverse distance between trusses (centerline to centerline), androadway width. Member properties included size and shape as well as cross-sectional area.Notable areas of deterioration included pitting losses and