Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Curriculum Innovation

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Richard Ruhala, University of Southern Indiana; Laura Ruhala, University of Southern Indiana; Eric Sprouls, University of Southern Indiana

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

two 100-level engineering courses, an algebra-based physics course, and acollege algebra course. Otherwise, all other courses they take are the same as those offered inthe 4-year curriculum. The 5-year program also has the advantage of a lower credit load persemester which allows these students more study time per course. The three main goals of thefreshman curriculum developed for this program are to provide these students with (1) the skillsthey will need to compete with their peers in the 4-year program, (2) immediate contact with theengineering faculty and peer students, and (3) an introduction to the rigor and commitmentrequired to successfully complete an engineering program. The first 100-level engineeringcourse focuses on the

Conference Session

Research in Multidisciplinary Education

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gary Halada, State University of New York at Stony Brook; Mary Frame, State University of New York at Stony Brook; Chad Korach, State University of New York at Stony Brook; David Ferguson, State University of New York-Stony Brook

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

elements of this courseinclude:1. Training as mentors for the freshman/sophomore projects, providing peer advisement and feedback.2. A structure that provides a forum for students to learn professional development skills (including advanced presentation, proposal writing, and scientific publication skills), assist in the mentoring process, and network with members of the professional scientific and industrial communities. These activities will help to further develop the research projects students have been involved in as part of the minor program, and will provide strong preparation for successful careers in science and engineering. As part of this effort, students will prepare a journal quality manuscript on their work and a NSF

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Curriculum Innovation

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Greg Waidley, University of Wisconsin - Madison; Jason Bittner, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

takes note of a few ofthe programs that currently exist around the country. These programs were located by startingwith the USDOT’s listing of University Transportation Centers at http://utc.dot.gov/.One could argue that a student gains significant benefit simply by sitting in the same classroomas students from other transportation-related disciplines. Students appear to gain insight into theperspectives of other disciplines through discussion with these peers and hearing the questionsasked by these peers. In a transportation planning course at the University of Tennessee, a civilengineering student asked the question, “Why do we even need to involve the public in thetransportation decision-making process?” This was a valid question and

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Design Constituents

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Catherine Skokan, Colorado School of Mines; Michael Ewing, Colorado School of Mines; Barbara Moskal, Colorado School of Mines; Heidi Barker, Regis University

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

address a variety of mathematical and scientific topics, includinghand-writing analysis, trigonometry, lenses, the human eye, and spherical astronomy.After viewing this lesson, the participating mathematics teachers reviewed polygons andangles, and used these concepts to complete an exercise concerning the minimum numberof guards needed to secure an art gallery with specified dimensions. The science teachersstudied lenses and the human eye. Jointly, the mathematics and science teachers appliedthese skills by constructing a sun dial and analyzed hand-writing samples. Page 13.1324.4 Table 1: Summer Workshop –– The Math and Science of NUMB3RS

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Course Innovation II

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James Farison, Baylor University

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

components - Homework and classroom tests (50%) Homework assignments 10% Midterm test 15% Final exam (comprehensive) 25% Page 13.747.5 Special grading components - Individual student project reports and presentations (50%) 1. Applied/practical - imaging systems and hardware 15% 2. Peer-reviewed image processing research material 15% 3. Student-formulated image processing “research” project

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Course Innovation I

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Rabb; David Chang, United States Military Academy

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

4 engineering tools and techniques. [ABET Criterion 3 Outcomes (b) and (k)] 5. Communicate solutions clearly, both orally and in writing. [ABET Criterion 3 4 Outcome (g)] 6. Work effectively in diverse teams. [ABET Criterion 3 Outcome (d)] 3 7. Apply professional and ethical considerations to engineering problems. [ABET 3 Criterion 3 Outcome (f)] 8. Incorporate understanding and knowledge of societal, global and other contemporary issues in the development of engineering solutions that meet

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Course Innovation II

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrew Willis, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; James Conrad, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

. The first presentation had each student focus on a specific scientist of significance that hasmade one or more significant contributions to topics of interest for the course. The second and thirdpresentations required each student to read a contemporary research article related to astronomy,or space exploration. Science was often used as an appropriate source since it’s articles are writtento be understandable to a wide readership. Students were asked to present the topic of the researcharticle, the significance of the research and findings in the article and the background informationnecessary to clarify the significance of the research results.Student presentations were rated by other students using peer review sheets. The review sheet al

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary and Liberal Education

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Matthew Heun, Calvin College; Steven VanderLeest, Calvin College

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

-preserveinterpretive center provides laboratory space for K-12 education via camps and enrichmentactivities for nearby students. Our demonstration wind turbine and solar photovoltaic systemshave generated significant interest from nearby high school science teachers who want to exposeyoung students to the benefits and challenges of alternative and renewable energy technologies. Intentional living and learning communitiesAt the time of this writing, Calvin College is evaluating options for an intentional living andlearning community to be housed on one floor of a new dormitory whose heating and coolingloads may be partially offset by a geothermal system. It is envisioned that the geothermal systemand other innovative energy systems in the dormitory will