Conference Session

Innovative Teaching Techniques in Mechanics

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rick Williams, East Carolina University; William Howard, East Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

-onexperiments and demonstrations. For many students, the concepts of vectors, particleequilibrium, and rigid body equilibrium can be difficult to comprehend. In order to improvecomprehension in these areas, we developed a single apparatus that provides for the operation ofat least five experiments relevant to the study of statics. These experiments are well-suited foreither laboratory studies or, due to the device’s portability, for in-class demonstrations.In this paper we present the complete design, including the bill of materials, assembly drawings,and assembly instructions for the apparatus. The apparatus is easily assembled from readilyavailable parts and materials, especially sturdy, easily expandable, and very affordable(approximate cost of

Conference Session

Innovative Teaching Techniques in Mechanics

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rungun Nathan, Villanova University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

under thirty students meeting for fifty minute period, threetimes a week during the fall semester. A total of three sections were taught in the fall thispast year. There were no laboratories as part of this class, though all the students had anengineering laboratory during their freshmen year in which they had built bridges frompopsicle sticks. This had made them aware of problems in statics in general. All studentshad a common final examination and there was no differentiation in grading for studentswho had challenges in the class.Typically most instructors pick a teaching strategy and continue to use this based onprevious experiences and successes they have had with this approach. The strategy isthen modified on an as needed basis, but

Conference Session

Mechanics Division Poster Session

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Raghu Echempati, Kettering University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

AC 2007-1143: LEARNING EXPERIENCES OF USING TEACHING ANDASSESSMENT TOOLS FOR SOLID MECHANICS COURSERaghu Echempati, Kettering University RAGHU ECHEMPATI is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Kettering University (formerly GMI Engineering & Management Institute). He has over 20 years of teaching, research and consulting experience. His teaching and research interests are in the areas of Mechanics, Machine design, and CAE (including metal forming simulation and Design of Machines and Mechanisms). He is very active in the Study Abroad Programs at Kettering University. He is a member of ASME, ASEE, and SAE, and a Fellow of the ASME

Conference Session

Improving Mechanics Courses

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Amir Rezaei, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona; Mariappan Jawaharlal, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona; Kyu-Jung Kim, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona; Angela Shih, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

Kettering University), MI. Dr. Jawaharlal is recognized as an outstanding educator for his innovative and engaging teaching pedagogy.Kyu-Jung Kim, California State Polytechnic University-PomonaAngela Shih, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Page 12.1118.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2007 DEVELOPMENT OF A HYBRID VECTOR STATICS COURSE TO REDUCE FAILURE RATEABSTRACTA group of mechanical engineering faculty members have initiated a hybrid Vector Staticscourse which involves Macromedia presentations, Hands-on experiments, Online homeworkprogram for collecting homework, and online Multimedia

Conference Session

Internet Delivery of Mechanics Courses

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Peter Boyle, Saint Mary's University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

supplement. They were encouraged to read the supplement before the first day of lectures. About sixty interactive models and six animated screen videos prepared the student for self-test exercises. About ten hours were required for a student to assimilate the material in the software supplement, and the paper discusses the value of this time commitment. 7) The role of virtual laboratory exercises included in the ePAC is briefly described.IntroductionImprovements in online learning tools, evolving student demands and universal computer access,prompt the initiation of course delivery methods that challenge the hegemony of traditionalpresentation formats. The courses described here were not offered by distance delivery, but

Conference Session

What's New in the Mechanics of Materials?

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrea Surovek, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

AC 2007-61: ADDING CONTEXT TO A MECHANICS OF MATERIALS COURSEAndrea Surovek, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Page 12.178.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2007 Adding Context to a Mechanics of Materials CourseIntroductionOne of the greatest challenges in teaching fundamental engineering courses is getting studentsengaged in the material by making them feel it is relevant and has context in the “real world”.This is clearly important considering that providing context for abstract engineering concepts aswell as “learn-by-doing” experiences can increase student comprehension1. In addition, a lack ofcontext has been cited as a contributing

Conference Session

Innovative Mechanics Education Programs and Projects

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jean Nocito-Gobel, University of New Haven; Gregory Broderick, University of New Haven; Samuel Daniels, University of New Haven; Michael Collura, University of New Haven; Richard Stanley, University of New Haven

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

his Ph.D. from Yale University. He is currently teaching a course in the First Year Program as well as a course that has prerequisites in both the first and second year of the program. His professional interests include computer-aided engineering and design. Page 12.357.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2007 Civil and Mechanical Engineering Students Learning Mechanics in a Multidisciplinary Engineering Foundation SpiralThis paper describes how mechanical and civil engineering students are introduced to anddevelop an understanding of mechanics concepts through a sequence of integrated