Engaging Undergraduate Students in Experimental Learning in Materials Science through a Hybrid Project-Based Learning

Osama Desouky; Marwa AbdelGawad

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Conference: 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Portland, Oregon
Publication Date: June 23, 2024
Start Date: June 23, 2024
End Date: July 12, 2024
Conference Session: Joint Session: Experimentation and Laboratory-Oriented Studies Division and Chemical Division
Tagged Division: Experimentation and Laboratory-Oriented Studies Division (DELOS)
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/47267

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Paper Authors

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Osama Desouky Texas A&M University at Qatar

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Osama Desouky is a Technical Laboratory coordinator at Texas A&M University in Qatar. Osama is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in interdisciplinary engineering from Texas A&M University at College Station. He is responsible for assisting with experimental method courses, 3D printing, mechanics of materials, material science, senior design projects, and advanced materials classes. Osama’s professional interests include manufacturing technology, materials science, 3D printing, experiments, and product design. My interests include systems design, and systems engineering within the field of additive manufacturing.

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Marwa AbdelGawad Texas A&M University at Qatar orcid.org/0000-0003-0561-0994

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Dr. Marwa AbdelGawad is an Instructional Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University at Qatar. She earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University (USA), where her research focused on examining the impact of microstructure on the corrosion response and mechanical integrity of magnesium alloys used in biomedical applications, specifically orthopedic implants, which resulted in the publication of several papers in prestigious journals and presentations at conferences.

Dr. AbdelGawad's interests are centered around materials and manufacturing, with a strong focus on corrosion of advanced materials, and the study of statics and mechanics. With an extensive teaching background, she has developed a keen interest in advancing innovation in engineering education. At present, she actively explores various methods to enhance student engagement and optimize their learning experiences through curriculum and course design.

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Abstract

Experimental application of materials science concepts has been well established in engineering curricula. The current work-in-progress (WIP) advances student engagement in materials science by transforming laboratory learning into project-based learning (PBL). The presented methodology establishes guidelines for transforming a one-credit-hour mandatory undergraduate materials and manufacturing laboratory into a series of experiments with the notion of engaging students in critical thinking, applying basic principles of design of experiments (DoE), and combining material science and manufacturing knowledge to solve engineering problems.

The learning objectives focus on understanding material characterization and manufacturing processes through mechanical properties, microstructural characterization and control, and manufacturing processes. A range of experiments are used to accomplish these goals: tensile, fatigue, bending, impact, and shear testing experiments are used to investigate mechanical properties; heat treatment and cold rolling are two examples of microstructural control strategies; and manufacturing procedures include machining, casting, welding, and additive manufacturing.

This WIP aims to engage students in critical thinking and process planning to achieve desired mechanical and manufacturing constraints. The PBL methodology is designed with ABET student outcome 6 in mind relating to the ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze, and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions. Students are divided into groups of four to five students and provided a prompt that involves the fabrication of an engineering component with geometrical constraints, pre-specified tolerances, and service working conditions. The students are provided with a list of materials and processes available on-site that they will use to manufacture their parts. The project leads the students to the appropriate selection of material, process, standards, and path of production that would achieve the requirements. The project is phased into three sections: DoE, experimental exploration through guided experimental setups, and finally implementation of DoE through the application of knowledge gained through the guided experiments. The student groups will determine the most appropriate material choice through gained knowledge in mechanical testing, apply proper manufacturing techniques through knowledge of manufacturing processes, and lastly fabricate, heat treat, and evaluate the final design through a technical report. Case studies will involve real-life mechanical components such as shafts, links, control arms, etc.

Student engagement, critical thinking, and effective communication are key goals for excellence in engineering education. The renowned benefits of PBL have challenged the traditional methods of teaching, especially laboratory courses, where limitations of equipment limit laboratory engagement beyond the hands-on experience of students. Engaging students in purposeful experiments is anticipated to strengthen technical skills, encourage critical thinking, and bridge the gap between theoretical concepts taught in the classroom and practical engineering applications.

Citation
Format

Desouky, O., & AbdelGawad, M. (2024, June), Engaging Undergraduate Students in Experimental Learning in Materials Science through a Hybrid Project-Based Learning Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. https://peer.asee.org/47267

TY  - CPAPER
AB  - Experimental application of materials science concepts has been well established in engineering curricula. The current work-in-progress (WIP) advances student engagement in materials science by transforming laboratory learning into project-based learning (PBL). The presented methodology establishes guidelines for transforming a one-credit-hour mandatory undergraduate materials and manufacturing laboratory into a series of experiments with the notion of engaging students in critical thinking, applying basic principles of design of experiments (DoE), and combining material science and manufacturing knowledge to solve engineering problems.  

The learning objectives focus on understanding material characterization and manufacturing processes through mechanical properties, microstructural characterization and control, and manufacturing processes. A range of experiments are used to accomplish these goals: tensile, fatigue, bending, impact, and shear testing experiments are used to investigate mechanical properties; heat treatment and cold rolling are two examples of microstructural control strategies; and manufacturing procedures include machining, casting, welding, and additive manufacturing.   

This WIP aims to engage students in critical thinking and process planning to achieve desired mechanical and manufacturing constraints. The PBL methodology is designed with ABET student outcome 6 in mind relating to the ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze, and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions. Students are divided into groups of four to five students and provided a prompt that involves the fabrication of an engineering component with geometrical constraints, pre-specified tolerances, and service working conditions. The students are provided with a list of materials and processes available on-site that they will use to manufacture their parts. The project leads the students to the appropriate selection of material, process, standards, and path of production that would achieve the requirements. The project is phased into three sections: DoE, experimental exploration through guided experimental setups, and finally implementation of DoE through the application of knowledge gained through the guided experiments. The student groups will determine the most appropriate material choice through gained knowledge in mechanical testing, apply proper manufacturing techniques through knowledge of manufacturing processes, and lastly fabricate, heat treat, and evaluate the final design through a technical report. Case studies will involve real-life mechanical components such as shafts, links, control arms, etc. 

Student engagement, critical thinking, and effective communication are key goals for excellence in engineering education. The renowned benefits of PBL have challenged the traditional methods of teaching, especially laboratory courses, where limitations of equipment limit laboratory engagement beyond the hands-on experience of students. Engaging students in purposeful experiments is anticipated to strengthen technical skills, encourage critical thinking, and bridge the gap between theoretical concepts taught in the classroom and practical engineering applications.   
AU  - Osama Desouky
AU  - Marwa AbdelGawad
CY  - Portland, Oregon
DA  - 2024/06/23
PB  - ASEE Conferences
TI  - Engaging Undergraduate Students in Experimental Learning in Materials Science through a Hybrid Project-Based Learning  
UR  - https://peer.asee.org/47267
ER  -