Conference Session

Innovative Teaching Techniques in Mechanics

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrew Szmerekovsky, AFIT; Brian Self, U.S. Air Force Academy

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

technique. Finally, references and advice on how to utilize JiTTwill be supplied to potential users.The Just in Time Teaching ApproachJiTT should not be confused with other uses of “Just-in-Time” that is prevalent in engineeringliterature. Other authors use JIT to represent presenting material just before it will be used, forexample in a laboratory exercise or an assigned project. JiTT on the other hand, is a techniqueused to enhance the interactivity of a lecture period by creating a feedback loop between theinstructor and the student.As discussed in last year’s proceedings1, the JiTT strategy reflects recent efforts in cognitivepsychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, anthropology, neuroscience, andeducation research to better

Conference Session

What's New in Mechanics of Materials?

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nashwan Younis, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

are aimed to facilitate the understanding of these concepts for both learningand industrial practice. Thus, the objectives of the proposed images are to demonstrate to thestudents the followings: • The assumptions (Saint-Venant’s theory) made in developing the axial stress formula • The development of axial stress in a member • The effect of bearing stress on a member • Interaction between axial, bearing, and contact stresses • An application of optics in engineeringBasic theoryThe optical method of reflected photoelasticity (photostress) is utilized to achieve the goals inregard to the above objectives. Photostress is a technique for measuring surface strains todetermine the stresses on a part or structure during loading. With

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

trulymotivates the students to become active learners.This paper examines a wide variety of alternative quizzing techniques. The title of the paper,“Five Surprises” reflects the quantity of quizzes given per semester and the unannounced natureof the quizzes. Some are formulated by faculty and others recommended by students. Somehave been employed in the classroom; others are being evaluated by faculty for possibleimplementation in the current and future semesters. This paper will highlight some of the bestideas which have been given specific names suggestive of the type of quiz. Overall, ninealternative quiz types have been identified and include names such as “Dante’s Quiz”, “JumpingBeans”, “Who Wants to be an Engine-aire”, and “The Relay”.Introduction

Conference Session

Innovative Teaching Techniques in Mechanics

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Louis Everett, University of Texas-El Paso; Arunkumar Pennathur; Elsa Villa, University of Texas-El Paso

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

. Page 11.1280.2Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors anddo not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Support was also from the PACE program(www.PACEpartners.org) and the authors gratefully acknowledge their support.Introduction Student enrollment in the College of Engineering at the University of Texas El Paso is veryhealthy. With student demographics in excess of 70% Hispanics and large class sizes, UTEP isone of the largest producers of undergraduate Hispanic Engineers. UTEP graduates can be foundin the nation’s top graduate schools, in the upper echelons of the nation’s leading corporations, inNational Laboratories and as entrepreneurs. In

Conference Session

What's New in Statics?

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kevin Dong, Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

“close” from the start. In our old sequence students were taught basicstatics and shear and moment diagrams together. Repetition has been one of the keys to oursuccess, so now that students have one complete term to grasp the concepts of centroids,reactions, and internal pins, they are better prepared and have a better chance at drawing correctshear and moment diagrams.The program is in its second year of implementation. So far, the results have been positive basedon student assessment/questionnaires and student passing rates. The students have identified theactivity sessions and model making exercises as key points in understanding the materialpresented in class. Student performance reflects this sentiment - failure rates have