GIFTS: Bridging Engineering Education with a Cost-Effective Classroom Kit: A Hands-On Approach to Active Learning

Osman Sayginer; Cory Budischak; Laura Riggio; lynda bouchelil

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Conference: FYEE 2025 Conference
Location: University of Maryland - College Park, Maryland
Publication Date: July 27, 2025
Start Date: July 27, 2025
End Date: July 29, 2025
Conference Session: GIFTS II
Tagged Topic: FYEE 2025
Page Count: 3
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--55263
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/55263
Download Count: 5

Dr. Cory Budischak, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the College of Engineering at Temple University, strives to create a culture of evidence based teaching and co-curricular supports in the College of Engineering. A proponent of innovative teaching methods like flipped classroom problem based learning, alternative grading, and design thinking, he also co-founded the STEPS program (funded through NSF S-STEM) to support low-income, high-achieving engineering students. Budischak holds a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering and enjoys outdoor activities with his family.

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Laura Riggio Temple University

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Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Mechanical Engineering Department

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lynda bouchelil Temple University orcid.org/0009-0008-1642-4015

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Abstract

Many new engineering students don’t see the connections between many of their classes. Integrating curriculum can not only help students see the connections, but can also lead to increased retention of those students. (Al‐Holou et al., 1999; Froyd & Ohland, 2005). It is also much easier to implement integrated curricula in the first year of engineering program as there are a common set of courses, but it becomes more difficult to integrate freshman-junior level coursework. This paper explores an idea that will allow this integration. This work introduces a custom-designed, cost-effective learning kit that fosters hands-on classroom activities, peer collaboration, and interdisciplinary learning, bridging concepts from freshman to junior-level coursework. The accessibility of low-cost electronic components and rapid prototyping techniques, such as 3D printing makes this integration possible. We demonstrate a small-scale 3D-printed wind turbine that can be assembled using inexpensive mechanical components such as bearings, nuts, and screws. This hands-on tool is integrated into MEE 1117 Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering Design, where students disassemble, and measure turbine components using calipers and replicate their models in SolidWorks. This activity strengthens fundamental CAD skills while reinforcing mechanical design principles. Simultaneously, students enrolled in ENGR 1101 Introduction to Engineering leverage Microbit electronics kits to explore programming fundamentals. By utilizing the Microbit’s built-in sensors, specifically touch sensors and photodiodes, students measure the turbine's RPM. This real-world data collection introduces key instrumentation concepts relevant to MEE 2305 Instrumentation and Data Acquisition Lab and ENGR 2332 Dynamics. Further customization of the setup enables students to explore gear ratios and torque calculations, forming a foundation for MEE 3301 Machine Theory and Design. This interdisciplinary approach provides first-year students with a tangible, real-world problem to solve, reinforcing fundamental engineering concepts through active learning. By integrating cost-effective prototyping, we enhance engagement, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering principles early in the academic journey which can feed into other benefits for our students such as retention.

Citation
Format

Sayginer, O., & Budischak, C., & Riggio, L., & bouchelil, L. (2025, July), GIFTS: Bridging Engineering Education with a Cost-Effective Classroom Kit: A Hands-On Approach to Active Learning Paper presented at FYEE 2025 Conference, University of Maryland - College Park, Maryland. 10.18260/1-2--55263

TY - CPAPER
AB - Many new engineering students don’t see the connections between many of their classes. Integrating curriculum can not only help students see the connections, but can also lead to increased retention of those students. (Al‐Holou et al., 1999; Froyd &amp;amp; Ohland, 2005). It is also much easier to implement integrated curricula in the first year of engineering program as there are a common set of courses, but it becomes more difficult to integrate freshman-junior level coursework. This paper explores an idea that will allow this integration. This work introduces a custom-designed, cost-effective learning kit that fosters hands-on classroom activities, peer collaboration, and interdisciplinary learning, bridging concepts from freshman to junior-level coursework. The accessibility of low-cost electronic components and rapid prototyping techniques, such as 3D printing makes this integration possible.
We demonstrate a small-scale 3D-printed wind turbine that can be assembled using inexpensive mechanical components such as bearings, nuts, and screws. This hands-on tool is integrated into MEE 1117 Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering Design, where students disassemble, and measure turbine components using calipers and replicate their models in SolidWorks. This activity strengthens fundamental CAD skills while reinforcing mechanical design principles.
Simultaneously, students enrolled in ENGR 1101 Introduction to Engineering leverage Microbit electronics kits to explore programming fundamentals. By utilizing the Microbit’s built-in sensors, specifically touch sensors and photodiodes, students measure the turbine&#39;s RPM. This real-world data collection introduces key instrumentation concepts relevant to MEE 2305 Instrumentation and Data Acquisition Lab and ENGR 2332 Dynamics. Further customization of the setup enables students to explore gear ratios and torque calculations, forming a foundation for MEE 3301 Machine Theory and Design.
This interdisciplinary approach provides first-year students with a tangible, real-world problem to solve, reinforcing fundamental engineering concepts through active learning. By integrating cost-effective prototyping, we enhance engagement, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering principles early in the academic journey which can feed into other benefits for our students such as retention.
AU - Osman Sayginer
AU - Cory Budischak
AU - Laura Riggio
AU - lynda bouchelil
CY - University of Maryland - College Park, Maryland
DA - 2025/07/27
PB - ASEE Conferences
TI - GIFTS: Bridging Engineering Education with a Cost-Effective Classroom Kit: A Hands-On Approach to Active Learning
UR - https://peer.asee.org/55263
DO - 10.18260/1-2--55263
ER -