Conference Session

Engineering Technology Futuristic Planning

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tiffany Fisher, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indiananpolis; Wanda L. Worley, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis; Eugenia Fernandez, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Technology

questions with two open-ended questions at the conclusion ofthe survey in which free text responses were accepted. This study focuses primarily on five ofthe Likert scale questions as shown in Table 1 and the open-ended question “What role do youthink Web 2.0/Social Networking Technology should play in the classroom?” Page 25.1447.5 Table 1. Likert scale survey questions of interest Web 2.0/SNT can be effectively used to: 20. Help faculty and students communicate with each other about course material 21. Encourage academic collaboration among students 22. Coordinate classroom activities such as

Conference Session

Going Viral: Effective Instructional Techniques in an Online Environment

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Monique H. Head, Morgan State University

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering

traditional review methodology. Lessons learned from thisstudy are also shared, where the use of wikis for writing research abstracts can promote a sharedlearning environment with the opportunity for students to improve their technical writing skillsand remove any inhibitions, if any, about having their writing reviewed and ultimately edited forimprovement. As such, the range of applicability and accessibility for using wikis is vast, andcan be cleverly incorporated into most courses.BackgroundImproving students’ writing and critical thinking skills are very important and necessary forcareer preparation. In recent years, increasing attention has been devoted towards improving thewriting skills of students in science and engineering fields.1 While

Conference Session

Global and Cultural Issues in Construction

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rebecca N. Macdonald, East Carolina University; David L. Batie, East Carolina University; Ryan T. Goodman, East Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Construction

producedmany essays on the subject of writing within engineering curricula at various institutions over thelast three decades. Both fields face similar challenges, and theories and solutions taken fromengineers are equally applicable to the field of construction education.Similar to Berthouex’s recognition that the quality of engineering graduates do not meetprofessional demands in the field, our own Department Advisory Board continues to stress theimportance of all communication in the field.1 This is further supported by Kuhn in hisstatement that the quality is important in job placement, job performance, and careeradvancement.3 This is all the more important when it has been found that engineers spendroughly 1/3 of their time writing.2 The major

Conference Session

Research Informing Teaching Practice I

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Chris Venters, Virginia Tech; Lisa D. McNair, Virginia Tech; Marie C. Paretti, Virginia Tech

Tagged Divisions

Educational Research and Methods

inthe form of low first-time pass rates, but several recent publications from the engineeringeducation community indicate that bad grades are not the only indicators of the problem [1-3].These reports, among others, indicate that many students, even those who pass statics, havedifficulty conceptualizing the topics that we consider essential knowledge for engineeringstudents. This learning deficiency can provide complications as students enter courses that buildon the statics foundation.The primary purpose of this ongoing study is to determine whether writing can be used inengineering courses like statics to improve learning for students. In part, this study builds onprevious studies by authors like Hanson and Williams [4] and others who have

Conference Session

BIM and Virtual Construction Environments

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tulio Sulbaran, University of Southern Mississippi; Lewis Frederick Jones III, University of Southern Mississippi

Tagged Divisions

Construction

. Page 25.1451.2A key member of all construction projects is the construction manager. In most instancesconstruction managers have university degrees offered by multiple education programs acrossthe country. However, education techniques used in universities today do not provide studentswith enough realistic construction project experience, whether it is hands-on or simulated 1.Thus, students do not rise to their full potential at the universities, leaving them unprepared toface the challenges of real-world project management.ObjectiveIn order to address this lack of realistic experience among young engineers, the performedproject proposed the use of a new educational medium known as “virtual reality environments”to create an interactive

Conference Session

Capstone Projects and Experiential Learning

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Scott James Schneider, University of Dayton; Seth Jarek Peterson, University of Dayton

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Technology

theIndustrial Advisory Committee of the Electronics and Computer Engineering TechnologyProgram (ECT) at the University of Dayton (UD), has led to the redevelopment of severalcomputer engineering technology courses and to a new course sequencing to have a stronger Page 25.1452.2embedded systems focus. The revised course sequence and major associated embedded systemtopics are outlined in Figure 1. Note that these courses are all required for the ECT major. Figure 1: Embedded systems curriculumWithin the course sequence, system-on-chip (SoC) technology has become an important focus,being studied in multiple courses. Overall, there

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Engineering Potpourri

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andy Shaojin Zhang, New York City College of Technology; Farrukh Zia, New York City College of Technology; Iem H. Heng, New York City College of Technology; Sidi Berri, New York City College of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

STEM programs in Page 25.1453.4colleges and universities is the lack of preparation of high school students in STEM. To fill the gapand to help high school students to realize the importance of STEM education, hands-on engagingtraining programs are developed to help and encourage high school students to be exposed tovarious STEM areas through robotic design activities that tie to existing pre-engineering programssuch as FIRST Robotic Competition (FRC) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC). To maximizeparticipation, the trainings were offered 1) on weekends in conjunction with our FIRST partners, 2)in afterschool programs, and 3) in summer

Conference Session

Design Spine

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Krystal S. Corbett, Louisiana Tech University; Heath Tims, Louisiana Tech University; Galen E. Turner III, Louisiana Tech University; James D. Nelson, Louisiana Tech University

Tagged Divisions

Design in Engineering Education

beapplied to curriculum design. The engineering educator has a product – the course – and is toldto make it better for the consumer – the students.Engineering Design ProcessThroughout the years there have been many models created that illustrate the engineering designprocess; a few of which are shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3.Figure 1. A graphic depicting the Figure 2. A Graphic Depicting theEngineering Design Process5 Engineering Design Process6 Page 25.1454.3 Figure 3. A graphic depicting the Engineering Design Process7The steps in each figure vary slightly, but can all be condensed into

Conference Session

FPD V: Increasing Engagement and Motivation of First-year Students

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Carrie Robinson, Arizona State University; James Collofello, Arizona State University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

% Asian 6 13.0%Hispanic/Latino 10 17.5% Hispanic/Latino 5 10.9%Not Available 1 1.8% Not Available 1 2.2%Two or More Races 3 5.3% Two or More Races 1 2.2% 57 100% 46 100%Female 22 38.6% Female 16 34.8%Male 35 61.4% Male 30 65.2% 57 100% 46 100

Conference Session

Projects in Alternative Energy: Wind and Solar

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Leonel Aguilera, University of Texas, Pan American; Jaime Ramos-Salas P.E., University of Texas, Pan American; Sanjeev Kumar, University of Texas, Pan American

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

], Goswami emphasizesthe environmental impact of using renewable energy, and the importance of SolarEducation and student hands on experience and involvement, which is also mentioned on[8].Solar System DescriptionWe are able to gather solar energy from two Photovoltaic Arrays: The ENGR PV Arrayand TXU Array. The ENGR PV Array is a fixed array of 5 kW with a Collector Azimuthangle of 11o from the south, and a Tilt Angle of 10o. The TXU Array has a SolarTracking System to increase the power efficiency production; it contains 2 solar trackerswith 2 degrees of freedom each. Their rated maximum power is 2.75 kW, summing up atotal of 5.50 kW [1].The ENGR PV Array generates averaged measurements every five minutes, whereas theTXU Array is recording

Conference Session

Research in Engineering Education II

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Dana Denick, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Aidsa I. Santiago-Román, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus; Ruth A. Streveler, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Natalie Barrett, Purdue University, West Lafayette

Tagged Divisions

Educational Research and Methods

: Preliminary evidence from the Concept Assessment Tool for Statics (CATS)IntroductionAssessment, specifically assessment for the development of curricula and evaluation of students’performance with respect to ABET accreditation requirements, has been an important aspect ofengineering education. Therefore, engineering educators need to implement rigorous assessmentpractices in their courses that are both valid and reliable, in a manner that would allow them tohave the necessary evidence to improve students’ learning.1 Engineering concept inventories(CIs) have been developed with the intention to be used by faculty to assess students’understanding of specific concepts. Unfortunately they have been used primarily to assess

Conference Session

NSF Grantees' Poster Session

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Marisa Hamilton, Riviera Kaufer High School; Lee Clapp, Texas A&M University, Kingsville; Mohamed Abdelrahman, Texas A&M University, Kingsville

Tagged Topics

NSF Grantees Poster Session

rates. If thesubstance does not allow a fluid to travel though it, the substance is known as impermeable. If asubstance allows a fluid to travel through it, the substance is known as permeable. Thesedifferent properties can be applied to underground sediments, creating areas ideal for fluids (i.e.water, oil, and gas) to collect. An underground layer of porous rock, sand, or gravel, makes anexcellent storage space for ground water; while, clay and shale do not retain water very well. Iflayers of impermeable and permeable of sediment form, water may become embedded betweenthese layers. The water and porous sediment become known a confined aquifer, as seen inFigure 1. The water reaches a maximum level, which is referred to as the water table

Conference Session

Methods of Teaching and Learning in Construction

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Arundhati Ghosh, Arizona State University

Tagged Divisions

Construction

. 2 3 2 6 1 A` 1. ‘Pod’ equipped with dual monitors, a 1 4 resident computer and switcher for B plugging in laptops 1 2. Interactive wall surfaces E 3. Projection Screen 4. Table for layout drawings Page 25.1459.5 1 5. Space for printer and

Conference Session

Aerospace Technical Session

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

M. Javed Khan, Tuskegee University; Bruce Edward Heath, Tuskegee University

Tagged Divisions

Aerospace

packageswere considered on which to base the system. These included FlightGear13, X-Plane14 andMicrosoft Flight Simulator FS2004 (the most recent version being FSX). It was decided to useFS2004 due to its maturity as compared to the other choices and the availability of a largecommunity of developers. It was also decided to configure the system with three large (LCD-projector driven) out of the window views in addition to the instrument panel display (Fig. 1).Each of the LCD projector display is driven by its dedicated PC that is synchronized with thecontrol PC that also drives the instrument panel display. This synchronization is achievedthrough two commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software, the FSUIPC15 and WideView16. Theflight data including

Conference Session

Engineering Technology Futuristic Planning

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mert Bal, Miami University

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Technology

Mechanics of University of Arizona. 12Generally, we can expect that the use of VR and all other means of educational software inlaboratory training maximize the interaction with the student and enhancing various phases ofthe educational process. The automation of the experimental bench, through introduction of acombination of the above systems, improves the quality of education, offering importantadvantages such as:1. The students devote their time to fruitful discussion and useful observations, having thepossibility to analyze directly the measurements, repeat some of them, compare with theoreticalor simulation results etc.2. The students concentrate on understanding fundamental concepts and not performing tediouswiring and measurements.3. The

Conference Session

Electrical and Computer Poster Session

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John J. Devore, Kansas State University; David L. Soldan, Kansas State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

variables and designequations, formatted fields can be created to show groups of Boolean variables formatted asbinary, decimal, or hexadecimal values. Such fields on the display are useful for interpretingarithmetic circuits. Additionally, if such a field is comprised only of input and state variablesone can click it (instead of individual variable names) to increment the field value. Thisprovides a very easy (and fast) way of trying all possible values of a set of inputs. A samplescreen-shot is shown in Fig. 1 to give a feel for the display. It implements an 8-bit ripple-carryadder. The circuit it represents contains 59 (2- or 3-input) AND gates and 15 (2-, 3-, or 4-input)OR gates. Entering this design as a detailed schematic would have probably

Conference Session

Accreditation and Outcomes-based Education

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jens Kabo, Chalmers University of Technology; Xiaofeng Tang, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Dean Nieusma, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; John Currie, University of Sydney; Hu Wenlong, Beihang University; Caroline Baillie, University of Western Australia

Tagged Divisions

Liberal Education/Engineering & Society

- learning outcomes, where technical and social capabilities represent roughly equal proportions of the total number of requirements. • Social capabilities represent a wide range of competencies, including very high-order social- analytic competencies (e.g., understanding the relationship between engineering and its social context). • Important variations can be identified in how social capabilities are understood, with four distinct categories emerging: Social capabilities 1) as constraints, 2) as awareness, 3) as responsibility, and 4) as cultivation.After reviewing, categorizing, and analyzing the key ways social-analytic competencies arearticulated and understood in the four countries’ accreditation documents, we identify

Conference Session

Simulations and Visualizations

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Koenraad E. Gieskes, Binghamton University; Roy T.R. McGrann, Binghamton University; Charles Gazeley DeRusso, Binghamton University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

to try to introduce students to multiple forms of representations at once.This is exactly what is often done in engineering, science, and math education. [1] In this introductory review of representations in mechanical engineering education, first ageneral overview of representations in mechanical engineering is presented. Following that,some of the differences in the common types of these representations are discussed. Lastly, theeffect that the representations have on the language used by the students is discussed.Representations in Mechanical Engineering Education In mechanical engineering education, the approach taken to solving a problem is oftenpresented as a three part process: (1) The educator explains the problem that

Conference Session

Capstone Projects and Experiential Learning

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Salahuddin Qazi, State University of New York, Institute of Technology; Robert C. Decker, Mohawk Valley Community College

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Technology

included multiple workstations through use of the previously purchased NanoSurf EasyScan 2 AFM as well as the Veeco Caliber. The remote access AFM from the NACK Center was also demonstrated for the group during the workshop. Hands-on material was provided to the participants for using it in their classes. The powerpoint presentations developed for Part 1 and part 2 are given on the project’s website: www.sunyit.edu/afm. Conducted an interactive lecture in Engineering Physics 3 course at MVCC using NanoSurf easyScan 2 AFM. The lecture included theory, operation of AFM, and a demonstration of AFM using prepared samples. Students were required to complete a written assessment including Internet research on AFM and prepare questions for the

Conference Session

Ethics and Technology

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sylvia W. Thomas, University of South Florida

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Ethics

had increased only slightly to 68%.1 With the nanotechnologyindustry manufacturing over $50 billion in goods, it would be beneficial for the general publicto know about some of the new and emerging nanotechnologies. Similarly, a 2010 ResearchAmerica survey on Floridians found that 60% of individuals in Florida would like to see moreinformation about science and research.2 Therefore, this work looks to assist in increasing thepublic awareness of innovative nanotechnology.Particularly, the advancements in the area of nano materials technology, and its applications toalternative energy, have spurred the debate on ethical considerations for society and theenvironment. Dr. William Marcy, P.E., executive director of the Murdough Center

Conference Session

Integrating Sustainability Across the Curriculum

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sarah Kathryn Bauer, Rowan University; Andrea Rose McFarland, Rowan University; Mary M. Staehle, Rowan University; Kauser Jahan, Rowan University

Tagged Divisions

Environmental Engineering

involves team building, hands-on activities, technical reportwriting, and oral presentations. The underlying concepts of engineering design pervadethroughout all eight semesters4. However, as shown in Table 1, each Clinic course has a specifictheme and emphasizes specific topics4. Inside of these overarching objectives, the engineeringfaculty at Rowan University have developed a variety of projects of innovative pedagogy thatfocus on sustainable engineering at each level of Engineering Clinic. Table 1: Overview of the Course Content in the Eight-Semester Engineering Clinic Sequence4 Year Clinic Theme (Fall Semester) Clinic Theme (Spring Semester) Freshman Engineering

Conference Session

Ethics and Technology

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Christa Walck, Michigan Technological University; Jacqueline E. Huntoon, Michigan Technological University; Jim R. Baker, Michigan Technological University; Jean S. DeClerck, Michigan Technological University; Nora Allred, Michigan Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Ethics

will report lessons learned, student responses, application of the programto an undergraduate NSF-funded REU program, and transition to a sustainable ethics educationprogram for STEM graduate students.Intellectual Property for STEM StudentsUnderstanding the basics of U. S. intellectual property law and the norms of scholarly publishing– copyright and appropriate attributions, fair use, falsification of data, plagiarism, and patentrights and infringement – are essential to ethics education for STEM students.1 Three factorscontribute to its urgency: 1. Federal mandates for responsible conduct of research (RCR) for students engaged in funded research. Ethics education in intellectual property and scientific publishing is a

Conference Session

NSF Grantees' Poster Session

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Douglas H. Timmer, University of Texas, Pan American; Miguel Gonzalez, University of Texas, Pan American; Connie M. Borror, Arizona State University, West; Douglas C. Montgomery, Arizona State University

Tagged Topics

NSF Grantees Poster Session

received several teaching and research awards, including the Shewhart Medal, the Brumbaugh Award and the Lloyd Nelson Award from the ASQ, the George Box medal from ENBIS, the Greenfeld medal from the Royal Statistical Society, and the Deming Lecture award from the American Statistical Association. Page 25.1469.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2012 Web-based Active Learning Modules for Teaching Statistical Quality Control, 2012 Update!!!!"#$%&'()*+"#$!%&'%()$!(*!+#,)!'$)$-'.#!,)!+(!,/0$)+,1-+$!+#$!&)$!(*!),2&3-+,(/45-)$6!-.+,0$!3$-'/,/1!+((3

Conference Session

Considerations for the Collection Conscious Librarian

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Peter Zuber, Brigham Young University

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Libraries

and MetricsAbstract “The traditional (or Alexandrian) model of the library is based upon the mistakenintuition that to be good a library must be vast and always growing.”1 Weeding of librarycollections, whether printed or electronic, whether by choice or compulsory, createsopportunities for criticism and growth. Where the literature suggests that starting a weedingproject is close to last on a librarian’s list, events beyond a librarian’s control can force aweeding action. Space reallocations, time constraints, or e-provider policies imposes risks thatthreaten the attempt to maintain a viable collection. Sometimes the choice is voluntary; but if notexplicitly defined as part of a formal collection policy, the rationale used can vary

Conference Session

Lessons learned

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ibrahim F. Zeid, Northeastern University; William L. DUPE Chan, Josiah Quincy High School; Kristina Buenafe, Josiah Quincy High School; Jessica Chin, Northeastern University

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering

of the action plans. It discusses the results of the lessons andprojects, including successes as well as failures. Based on our results, we discuss lessonslearned and provide recommendations for teachers looking to implement EBL in theirclassrooms and in various disciplines. Page 25.1471.21 IntroductionPast educational models like T4E focus on principles such as structured, effective, andefficient teaching models that encourage and engage hands on learning. Understandingpast models like T4E allows us to understand and improve upon how teachers learn andhow that knowledge is transferred to students [1]. For most high school teachers, theirteaching

Conference Session

Engineering Education for Modern Needs Part II: Novel Curriculum Development and Project-based Courses

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Catherine M. Polito, University of Texas, Austin; Leslie P. Martinich, Competitive Focus

Tagged Divisions

Continuing Professional Development

internal expenses and the remaining 40 percent ($68.5 billion) contributed to external expenses.” Page 25.1472.3                                                            1  Green, Michael & McGill, Erin (2011). State of the Industry Report, 2011. Alexandria, VA: American Society forTraining & Development Research. 2|    In 2006, the authors conducted a focus group with multiple corporate attendees from thefollowing industry areas (with emphasis on their engineers): a. Architecture b. Computer hardware c. Computer software d. Energy e. Government f. High tech g

Conference Session

Lessons Learned through Community Engagement of Engineering Students

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John J. Duffy, University of Massachusetts, Lowell; Linda Barrington, University of Massachusetts, Lowell; Emmanuelle Reynaud, University of Massachusetts, Lowell; Manuel A. Heredia, University of Massachusetts, Lowell

Tagged Divisions

Community Engagement Division

expected and integrated part of the engineering curriculum.BackgroundIn the fall of 2004, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, a medium-size state university, beganintegration of service-learning (S-L) projects into required engineering courses within fiveundergraduate academic departments. The goal was to have students exposed to S-L in onaverage one course in each of eight semesters during their engineering program with anoverarching aim to graduate better engineers and more engaged citizens. Previous papers havesummarized earlier results 1-16.The original motivation for attempting this service-learning program was rooted in the findings ofclassic studies in which service-learning was shown to be effective in a large number of cognitiveand

Conference Session

Innovations in Teaching and Research in Physics or Engineering Physics I

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jia-Ling Lin, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; Manuela Romero, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Jennifer Binzley, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Eman A. Zaki, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Physics & Physics

25.1474.2students’ perceptions of the learning environment significantly impacted learning. Students whoparticipated in SI sessions indicated that academic support programs like SI played a key role infostering effective learning of course material and in promoting a spirit of joyful learning.1 Researchers in physics education have found that students’ attitudes toward learningsignificantly impact what students actually learn.3-7 Several instruments, including the MarylandPhysics Expectations Survey (MPEX),4 Views About Science Survey (VASS),5 theEpistemological Beliefs Assessment (EBAPS),6 and the Colorado Learning Attitudes aboutScience Survey (CLASS)7 were designed to assess students’ attitudes toward learning. Resultsfrom extensive survey studies

Conference Session

Ethical Issues II: Academic Integrity and Student Development

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Amy L. Miller, University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown; Jerry W. Samples, University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Ethics

, in academic institutions with honor codes or otherwise centralizedrules for such cases this process may not be available or allowed.The following are several recommendations for success. 1. Do have persons of authority oversee the independent study. This demonstrates the importance placed on the exercise and can be a humbling for the student and allows an opportunity for one on one mentoring. 2. Do make the assignment meaningful and ordered so that the students know what is expected. In this case the work required was to evaluate a topic, write an outline, a final paper, and a presentation. 3. It is important to impress upon the students early that it will be an easy class to fail if they are irresponsible

Conference Session

Methods, Cases, and Directions

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ted Eschenbach P.E., University of Alaska, Anchorage; Neal A. Lewis, University of Bridgeport; Yiran Zhang, University of Bridgeport

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Economy, Engineering Management, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering

expenditure of the federal budget in Fiscal 2010. Social Securityaccounted for 20.3% of the budget, compared to 23.6% for discretionary defense and 20.8% forMedicare/Medicaid.1 Thus, analysis of the program is a full-time job for many, as well as beingthe subject of ongoing political discourse.Nevertheless, at the level of personal decision-making much of the available information doesnot seem to properly consider the time value of money. Since how to properly consider that timevalue is the subject of engineering economy courses, the topic is a suitable one for a case study.More importantly, like a real world problem, analyzing this case study can require students tosearch out the needed information from many possible sources, read and understand