Conference Session

Laboratory Experiences with Thermal and Chemical Systems and Sensors

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jeffrey Corbet Johnson, Grand Valley State University; Nael Barakat, Grand Valley State University; Lihong (Heidi) Jiao, Grand Valley State University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

explored and conclusions weredrawn as to the process parameters which best streamline the process for use in a time limitedundergraduate course. Based on the work of the independent study, a complete processprocedure was developed which was successfully adopted in the lab activity of the Nano/microSystems Engineering course.Keywords: Micro and Nano education, Thermal Evaporation, NanotechnologyIntroductionThe study of micro- and nano-scale devices and materials continues to provide promising newavenues of research and application across a wide spectrum of fields [1]. The broadmultidisciplinary nature of the subject prompts recognition of the need for expanded treatment inuniversity level curricula for undergraduate students. In a specific case

Conference Session

Remote and Network-based Laboratories

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rick Williams, East Carolina University; Loren Limberis, East Carolina University; Rebel Umphlett, BioNetwork Capstone Center; David Hobson Yarley, BioNetwork Capstone Center

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

industry.Project planning activities began with a meeting between key ECU and Capstone Centerpersonnel. The meeting was held at BTEC and had two important outcomes: 1) a generalagreement that a collaboration between ECU and the Capstone Center in the area ofbioprocessing and biomanufacturing would be beneficial 2) that it would be beneficial to furtherplanning for ECU faculty to attend at least one of the Capstone Center courses in order todevelop a better understanding of the format, content, and delivery of the current CapstoneCenter course offerings. Following up on the initial meeting, an ECU faculty member attendeda 2-day course titled “High Performance Liquid Chromatography”. Shortly after attending thiscourse, a second meeting was held where it was

Conference Session

Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning through Laboratory Experiences

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Per Henrik Borgstrom, University of California, Los Angeles; William J. Kaiser, University of California, Los Angeles; Gregory Chung, University of California, Los Angeles; Zachary Nelson, National Instruments; Manda Paul, University of California, Los Angeles; Stoytcho Marinov Stoytchev; Jackson Tek Kon Ding, Marvell Technology Group, Ltd.

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

fits easily inside a 9 3/8 x 8 x 6 7/8 -inchcarrying case.The objective of this system is to enable end-to-end student implementation of a variety ofcontrol systems. This includes physical assembly, implementation of electromechanical systems,sophisticated system identification, design of control algorithms, and experimental verification.This system was adopted by the UCLA Electrical Engineering Introduction to Feedback Controlscourse in the winter 2011 quarter. This initial adoption consisted of 140 students sharing 50SEAL platforms. Page 25.1143.2 Figure 1: The SEAL inverted pendulum system, consisting of a LEGO car, electronic systems

Conference Session

Innovative Uses of Technology and Techniques for Laboratory Exercises

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ghassan T. Ibrahim, Bloomsburg University; Aaron J. Homiak, Geisinger Health System; Alexander Hallden-Abberton, Bloomsburg University; John R. Pulaski

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

theproject industrial like technical and economic constraints were imposed. Such constraintsrequired a thorough resource and literature survey, followed by brain storming sessions to decideon the appropriate design approach during each stage of the project development. A closesupervision and guidance by the advisor was warranted for the students to successfully achievetheir goals.Learning ObjectivesThe specific objectives were for the students to:1. Engage in a creative electronics engineering system design to develop and implement a working product.2. Demonstrate the ability to extend their learning beyond the class room knowledge specifically in state of art technology.3. Demonstrate the ability to think critically, reason and judge on the

Conference Session

Laboratory Experiences with Thermal and Chemical Systems and Sensors

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hosni I. Abu-Mulaweh, Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

Solar Water Heating System Experimental Apparatus Department of Mechanical Engineering King Faisal University Al-Ahasa 31982, Saudi ArabiaAbstract This paper describes the design and development of an experimental apparatus fordemonstrating solar water heating. This solar heating experimental apparatus was designed tomeet several requirements: 1) the system is to operate using the thermosiphon concept, in whichflow through the system is created by density differences in the fluid; 2) to increase the solarenergy absorbed by the water and improve the educational value of the project, the solarcollector must have the ability to rotate in order to

Conference Session

Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning through Laboratory Experiences

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jean Jiang, Purdue University, North Central; Li Tan, Purdue University, North Central

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

, involving a 16-week class schedule with three-hour lectures and three-hour labs each week. Four weeks are allocated to covering adaptive filters. Prior to this secondDSP course, the pre-requisite courses are: Introduction to Microcontrollers (ECET 209), CircuitAnalysis Courses (ECET 207, ECET 257), Analog Network Signal Processing (ECET 307), andreal-time DSP (ECET 357). Figure 1 shows a flowchart for the related courses. Circuit Analysis Analog Network Microcontrollers (ECET 207) Signal Procssing (ECET 209) (ECET 257) (ECET 307

Conference Session

Mechanical and Architectural Engineering Laboratories

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert McMasters, Virginia Military Institute; Ryan Taylor, Virginia Military Institute

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

1involving the model rocketry work is the “project” segment of the course, encompassing the finalfive weeks of the semester. By this time, the students have had previous exposure to all of themeasurement tools needed to perform the model rocketry experiment and, at this point, are askedto design their own experiments to accomplish the goal of predicting the maximum height of arocket.Previous work in this area has been done by Boyer et al. [1] which dealt primarily with anintroduction to aerospace engineering, using model rocketry as part of this introductory course,including the concept of impulse. Suchora and Pierson [2] use model rocketry as part of afreshman introductory course, primarily in order to generate interest among first-yearengineering

Conference Session

Pedagogical Innovations in Laboratory Education

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Murthy Kasi, North Dakota State University; Yaping Chi, North Dakota State University; G. Padmanabhan, North Dakota State University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

Lines LinesFigure 1. An example of a flownet(a)(b) Dam Cutoff Stream wall lines Equipotential linesFigure 2. Flow nets showing stream lines and potential lines for (a) a discharging well in anaquifer bounded by a stream parallel to an impermeable barrier (plan view) (slightly modified1), Page 22.1392.3and (b) groundwater flow beneath a dam with a cutoff wall (sectional view).Laboratory courseThe flownet experiment was

Conference Session

Electrical and Computer Engineering Laboratories

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Chiu Choi, University of North Florida

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

number of references[1] through [11].  The reference designs described in this paper include an accelerometer, a digital compass, aninfrared distance sensor, an ultrasonic distance sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor,and a Hall Effect sensor. Provided in each reference design are the description of the sensor,hardware interfacing techniques, circuit and wiring diagrams, code snippets in C language, andordering information.A website was developed for hosting the reference designs for students to download. Theinformation for the reference designs in the website is presented in a way that the students needto do extra work in order to use them in their projects. This prevents the students from copyingthem straight into their projects

Conference Session

ELOS Best Paper Nominations

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Li Tan, Purdue University, North Central; Jean Jiang, Purdue University North Central

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

in many DSPapplications. For example, a low sampling rate (100 Hz) is fast enough to process temperaturesignal, light intensity, air pressure, mechanical strain, or seismic signal. Meanwhile, a lowanalog-to-digital (ADC) resolution (8-bit data) in these applications may be sufficient. Hence, anadoption of a low-cost microcontroller instead of a digital signal processor with full capability isa cost effective choice. Considering these facts, using a microcontroller for a DSP course in thejunior year could offer the following benefits to ECET students: (1) a microcontroller can be analternative and cost effective solution when a DSP processor such as TMS320C67xx is notavailable; (2) students can save a significant amount of time for learning

Conference Session

Electrical and Computer Engineering Laboratories

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

William Graff, LeTourneau University; Paul R. Leiffer, LeTourneau University; Matthew G. Green, LeTourneau University; Joel Koblich, LeTourneau University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

they get as areward, and are motivated instead in proportion to the large amount of learning they accomplish.Camaraderie is generated, and the night before the public presentation a large number of studentsspend all night in the lab adding last-minute details, drinking energy beverages, and eating pizza.The comment “if Professor Graff doesn’t teach Lab 3 [with Rube Goldberg] anymore, there’s noreason to come to [this] University” has been overheard on campus.The open-ended Rube Goldberg design project has six very intentional learning goals. Thesegoals include providing students with hands-on experience with: (1) teamwork, (2) publicpresentation, (3) creativity & innovation, (4) systems thinking, (5) energy transfer andconversions, (6

Conference Session

Pedagogical Innovations in Laboratory Education

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Roger A. Beardsley, Central Washington University; Charles O. Pringle, Central Washington University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

activities. Two of the lab activities analyze automotive transmissions. The twotransmission labs utilize a three-speed manual shift transmission and a planetary transmission.The three-speed transmission illustrates the operation of manual shift transmissions (withsynchros, sliding gears and collars, and dry plate clutch) while the planetary transmissionillustrates a simplified version of the operation of automatic transmissions (shifting using brakebands and a wet plate clutch). By "reverse engineering" these transmissions, many gear designconcepts make better intuitive sense to students.Gear design jargon can be complex. Over 80 terms are used to define gear geometry 1. Inanalyzing the transmissions in our lab, a number of the terms take on deeper

Conference Session

Pedagogical Innovations in Laboratory Education

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Richard Chiou, Drexel University; Yongjin (James) Kwon, Ajou University; Robin Kizirian, Drexel University; Matthew Dordai; Bret Alan Davis, Drexel University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

the PLC ladder logic in a virtualenvironment before it is run on a physical PLC. PLCStudio’s design process can be broken downinto three main steps; the component model, logical I/O model and cell model. These three stepsare performed in hierarchical phases to produce the final virtual model. Page 22.1073.3 Figure 1: Component ModelComponent 3D ModelThe first step in building a virtual cell is to design 3D solids to be used in a component model.The 3D solids can either be generated with PLCStudio’s CAD tools or imported from other CADapplications such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks. For devices with movable parts

Conference Session

ELOS Best Paper Nominations

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Loren Limberis, East Carolina University; Jason Yao, East Carolina University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

program outcomes is based on: 1) How well the studentscommunicate specific design aspects in the formal report; 2) How well they communicate theirlinearization methods using MATLAB; 3) A survey on how well the students believe they aremeeting the course objectives associated with the laboratory project; and, 4) the successfulcompletion of embedded questions in quizzes the final exam associated with the design project.IntroductionThe general engineering program at East Carolina University was started in 2004 to help supportthe need of broadly-skilled, general engineers for the regional industries and business located Page 22.1420.2among the small

Conference Session

ELOS Best Paper Nominations

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John Ridgely, California Polytechnic State University; Brian P. Self, California Polytechnic State University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

tooptimize financial results for the institution rather than learning outcomes for the students.Model Eliciting Activities, or MEA's, provide a framework which assists the design of projectswhich ensure that students meet learning outcomes associated with professional competence aswell as problem-solving and communication skills3. Projects designed as MEA's share many ofthe same characteristics as other Problem- and Project-Based Learning activities, such as theassignment of open-ended problems which are (or closely resemble) tasks performed inprofessional practice. However, MEA's are built upon six guiding principles that differentiatethem from PBL. The guiding principles of MEA's are as follows: 1) The Reality Principle: The task provided to

Conference Session

Innovative Teaching Methods and Learning Models

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Douglas Sugg, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division; John V Fishell, Science and Technology Education Partnership (STEP) ; Arman Hovakemian, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

for Engineering Education, 2011 Navy Metrology Engineering Center STEM Outreach through the STEP Program: Challenges, Lessons Learned and Application to DoD StrategyBackground:The United States and especially the Department of Defense (DoD) has historically reliedheavily upon scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians to innovate, design, produceand maintain a technically superior capability to defend and advance the interests of the UnitedStates, both at home and globally. The United States maintained a leading edge technologicadvantage through and beyond World War II until it was stunned by the Soviet Union‟s launchof Sputnik 1 on October 4, 1957. Sputnik 1 was the first artificial

Conference Session

ELOS Best Paper Nominations

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Debra J. Mascaro, University of Utah; Stacy Bamberg, University of Utah; R. Roemer, University of Utah

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

-basedrobotic/mechatronic design projects. We expect that the integrated laboratory experiences in ourfirst-year mechanical engineering classes will improve the students’ understanding and retentionof fundamental engineering principles through the coupling of hands-on laboratory learning withdesign-based learning. We will assess this outcome by comparing final exam scores acrosssemesters (i.e., before and after the curricular changes). We also anticipate increased studentretention, which will be assessed by tracking which students eventually register for theMechatronics course in the junior year of the program.1. IntroductionOur overall curriculum has a very strong “hands-on” component at all levels with semester-longdesign projects in both semesters

Conference Session

Electrical and Computer Engineering Laboratories

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mustafa G. Guvench, University of Southern Maine; Derek Richardson, Fairchild Semiconductor

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

rotary vane vacuum pump capable of reaching milliTorr ultimate vacuum.The system built is portable on wheels, and employs two Rotameter flow meters with fine needlevalves to control gas pressure and composition fed into the process chamber. Pressure ismonitored with a digital thermocouple vacuum gauge. Uniform plasma is obtained at operatingpressures of 100-1000 milliTorr range.Currently the microwave plasma system built is being used to plasma treat the gold bonding padsof package and MEMS chips to facilitate organics free surfaces and improve the quality in wirebonding. However, such a system can easily be adapted to serve as plasma assisted dry etcher.1. IntroductionThe project reported here comprises the design and development of a microwave

Conference Session

ELOS Poster Session

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Curtis Brackett, Bradley University; David Zietlow, Bradley University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

model using the system curve developedexperimentally. This design project incorporates many goals that an educator wants to accomplish in alab-based class. Involving engineering economics in this project is a great way to bring the realworld into the class room. The optimal design of a pump and piping system lab is a great way toincorporate numerous classes into one piece of work.Pump and Pipe Apparatus For this project it is necessary to build a system that is capable of allowing students tochoose from a variety of pump and piping sizes and allow the students to demonstrate their finaldesign for the commissioning. A system schematic is contained in Figure 1. T F

Conference Session

Mechanical and Architectural Engineering Laboratories

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hamadou Saliah-Hassane, University of Quebec, Montreal; Maarouf Saad, Ecole de Technologie Superieure; Willie K. Ofosu, Pennsylvania State University, Wilkes-Barre; Karimou Djibo, LICEF Research Center; Hassane Alzouma Mayaki, UCAD and LICEF Research Center, Montreal, Canada.; Mamane Moustapha Dodo Amadou ing., École de technologie supérieure

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

, has become a major issue for education and research institutions.It is therefore necessary to manage all the constraints to delocalized learners. In thiscontext, distance education is an asset that has already proven itself. Consideringengineering education, the constraints are even greater. Learning resources are no longerlimited to electronic files or electronic multimedia documents. In many laboratories,students carry out practical work with very expensive equipment. For over a decade, wehave proposed and demonstrated the validity of remote laboratories in ElectricalEngineering [1], an approach that has since made its way into numerous educationalinstitutions and research centers.The goal was to create a positive learning environment that

Conference Session

Innovative Teaching Methods and Learning Models

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jean-Claude Thomassian, State University of New York, Maritime College; Risa Kumazawa, Duquesne University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

the outcome of a survey and the feedback concluded by students thatsupported their outlook toward a media-based tutorial used in the instruction of Electronics andNetwork Analysis. The paper also presents an educational effort to improve student retention byengaging them in their studies. The assessment of this paper is in agreement with othercomparable studies done on media- based instruction and student engagement. For example,Chen et al.1 found that enhancing student engagement is an important step to increase studentretention, accomplishment and outcomes. Cohen et al.2 also found that students learned morefrom media based instruction compared to traditional modes of instruction. Likewise, Powell etal.3 explored this topic further and

Conference Session

ELOS Best Paper Nominations

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gene Liao, Wayne State University; D. Fu, Wayne State University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

-electric and series-hybrid electric. The developed bench unit is capable ofdemonstrating, illustrating and displaying the multiple energy flows in the electric-drive vehiclebased on its configuration and driving conditions. The integrated unit serves as a hands-onexperience workstation for multidiscipline students enrolled in the electric-drive vehicletechnology courses. The hands-on experience not only enhances the vehicle electrificationtraining and education, but also inspires students’ interest in the green movement oftransportation.1. IntroductionWorld competition and stringent United States fuel economy goals and emission regulations forthe 21st Century vehicle have pressured the automotive industry to design and evaluate advancedautomobiles

Conference Session

Electrical and Computer Engineering Laboratories

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Charles Lu, University of Kentucky

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

AC 2011-37: ENHANCING THE STUDENTS’ ABILITIES IN EXPERI-MENTAL DESIGNS THROUGH DESIGN-EXPERTY Charles Lu, University of Kentucky Y. Charles Lu is an Assistant Professor at Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kentucky, Paducah. His research interests include: (1) micromechanics and nanomechanics, (2) poly- mers, elastomers, composites, and advanced materials, (3) finite element analysis and mechanical design. Dr. Lu received the 2010 SAE International Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award for his contributions to mobility-related research, teaching and student development. He was also the recipient of the Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Faculty Award (2009), Paducah Outstanding Faculty Award

Conference Session

Pedagogical Innovations in Laboratory Education

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mysore Narayanan, Miami University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

: Characteristic # 1: Emphasizes Content and Delivery of Instruction Characteristic # 5: Develops appropriate learning experiences Page 22.250.5 Two other characteristics have recorded an unacceptable mode value of 2 indicating thatthere is plenty of effort is needed. One should take a closer look as to why these two show suchpoor values. Consulting with other colleagues may be of help in this case. These twocharacteristics are: Characteristic # 3: Integrates across disciplines Characteristic # 6: Incorporates Diverse Strategies In conclusion, the data provides the instructor with ideas that may necessitate changes

Conference Session

Mechanical and Architectural Engineering Laboratories

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nancy K Lape, Harvey Mudd College; David L Harris, Harvey Mudd College; Matthew Joseph Keeter, Harvey Mudd College; Madeleine S Ong, Harvey Mudd College; Zachary Dodds, Harvey Mudd College

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

. Page 22.271.3Course OrganizationThe E11 syllabus is shown in Table 1. E11, like most other HMC courses, is offered for 3 unitsof credit. Students attend two 50-minute weekly lectures in a large group and a 3-hour labsession in a group of 10. Most work takes place during the lab sessions, but students completeseven relatively short problem sets on their own time and work outside of class to optimize theirrobot for the final competition. First-semester freshmen receive pass/fail grading. Table 1: E11 SyllabusWeek Mon Wed Lab Problem Set0: 8/30 Big Picture, Energy Shop safety briefing1: 9/6 Arduino

Conference Session

Innovative Teaching Methods and Learning Models

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rupa Purasinghe, California State University, Los Angeles; Peter Dusicka, Portland State University; Jeffrey W Berman, University of Washington; Edgar Bautista, California State University, Los Angeles; Michael Noddings, Portland State University; Linda My Hanh Nguyen; San Yu Aung, California State University of Los Angeles; Lang Anh Dam

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

modeling and componenttesting.Students learning initiatives in earthquake engineering have been pursued by many academicssuch as Einde[1]. Parallel to these, research is continually working on advancing the state ofearthquake engineering knowledge and applications through cutting edge research. One suchinitiative is the research in Linked Column Frame (LCF) system [2, 3] as an alternative to thetraditional moment frame system for lateral resisting frames for earthquake loads. Currently,there is a tremendous demand for bringing civil engineering research results to undergraduateclassrooms. This paper addresses the initiative associated with the LCF research project. TheNSF/NEES funded research project focuses on the development of a new structural

Conference Session

Electrical and Computer Engineering Laboratories

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mohammad N. Amin, National University; Ronald P. Uhlig, National University; Pradip Peter Dey, National University; Bhaskar Raj Sinha, National University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

apart is thefact that the very low cost of the system and its ease of implementation make it feasible for short-term deployment by local governments, despite very severe budget constraints. The Working System DiagramThe system consists of fire sensing units, a command and control unit, and mobile units. The firesensing units communicate with the control unit using Radio Frequency (RF), and the controlunit communicates with the mobile units using GSM. Figure-1 shows a high level diagram ofthis wildfire detection system5. Figure-1: Wildfire Detecting System3The overall operational method of the wildfire detection and monitoring system is as follows: Temperature sensor detects temperature fluctuations

Conference Session

Innovative Teaching Methods and Learning Models

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ahmed Cherif Megri, University of Wyoming

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

. Page 22.358.2 2011 ASEE Annual ConferenceStudents have been involved as follow: about 35 undergraduate students (ARE/ME) have been divided ingroups: - Instrumentation and measurement (temperature, pressure, airflow, combustion analysis, thermography, dew point, duct leakage, equipment efficiency, and so on). - HVAC system auditing - Attic Auditing - Basement Auditing - Simulation and regression models 1) Instrumentation:Several buildings have been instrumented with sensors placed in attics, on walls and in basements. Apower meter has been installed in each building, and a data acquisition system allows the storage of themeasured data. 2) Comprehensive Experimental study

Conference Session

ELOS Best Paper Nominations

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Lisa Huettel, Duke University

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

., surveys of student opinions) and quantitative data(e.g., course performance). Baseline data (e.g., student surveys) were available from previousyears for comparison. Students reported that the projects positively contributed to theirunderstanding of course material. We also found that students’ awareness of the GrandChallenges and the role that signal processing can have in finding solutions increased. A numberof students indicated that they plan to pursue more in-depth projects inspired by what theylearned during the laboratory.1. IntroductionThe National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has identified a set of fourteen Grand Challengesfor current engineering research and practice. These include such diverse topics as reverse-engineering the brain

Conference Session

Innovative Teaching Methods and Learning Models

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Thomas Shepard, University of St. Thomas; Alison B. Hoxie, University of Minnesota Duluth

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Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

project,budget provided and final testing procedures. The lessons learned regarding these differentiterations are synthesized, an overview of some of the different design concepts is presented andsuggestions are provided for successful implementation of the design project.IntroductionLaboratory components to engineering courses are valuable for providing students hands-onexperiences, demonstrating principles learned during lecture and developing basic experimentaland measurement skills. Depending on the target learning outcomes, students in a lab class maytake part in a variety of experiences including demonstrations, “cookbook” type experiments,guided inquiry exercises, and design, build, test (DBT) projects 1, 2, 3, 4.In DBT projects a student