The Implementation of Dynamic Learning in a Project-based Introductory Engineering Course

Johnathon Garcia; Ryan E. Harlow; Estevan Andres Nunez; lorena Isabel Velasquez; Curtis John O'Malley

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Conference: 2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access
Location: Virtual On line
Publication Date: June 22, 2020
Start Date: June 22, 2020
End Date: June 26, 2021
Conference Session: Design Across the Curriculum 2
Tagged Division: Design in Engineering Education
Page Count: 12
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--35338
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/35338
Download Count: 401

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Paper Authors

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Johnathon Garcia New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

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Johnathon Garcia is a graduate student in the Mechanical Engineering Department at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, seeking an MS in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in Mechatronic Systems. His research covers multiple fields including compact data acquisition systems, robotics, Machine Learning, and vibrational systems. He has conducted research under Dr. O'Malley with cooperation with Sandia National Laboratories on designing low cost, compact data acquisition systems for rockets. These systems were required to perform on a par with far more expensive, larger systems. Other research is done under Dr. Grow, Dr. Wedeward, Dr. Cook, and Dr. Kimberley in cooperation with LANL performing research on the structural health and autonomous structural health monitoring techniques. Further research is done on snake-like robots under the advisor Dr. Lee. His further research is done through the United States Navy emphasizing technological upgrades to the surface fleet.

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Assistant Prof at NM Tech since 2016. Teach junior/senior design clinic as well as 1st semester introduction to mechanical engineering design. As part of these courses I work closely with national labs and industry to maintain course projects with real world application. The products of the class and research projects are then tailored to hands on activities for k-12 STEM education outreach.

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Abstract

Undergraduate programs are designed to facilitate the understanding of fundamental engineering concepts through a series of courses and projects. Each is difficult in their own regards, especially when considering that students from all backgrounds and experience levels desire to pursue engineering degrees, and it is imperative that all feel comfortable with the foundational aspects of the field.

Advanced engineering topics can be covered in introductory-level courses by focusing on student engagement through project-centered learning. In the Introductory to Mechanical Engineering course at “University of ______” it is our goal to teach just this, through the use of interesting and unique projects each with a different outcome. Students conduct a mid semester project focusing on the challenge of designing a structure capable of withstanding high-velocity projectiles. The choice of a semester long design project is also incorporated, focusing on the topics of vibrational analysis in dynamic structures and biomimicry in soft robotics. Each of these projects ranges in time-scale, complexity, and clarity of their outcomes with both being open ended but one having a more defined approach to success, yet neither being simpler than the other.

The mid-semester project aims to highlight a specific field and yet another advanced topic while focusing on building teamwork skills in a large group project setting. The goal for this project is to have students design, fabricate, and test a simulated version of a meteorite shield for space vehicles. The semester-long projects focus on interest and retain students by having them solve a seemingly difficult engineering problem using simple and common knowledge, much of which is covered in class. Each of these projects is made possible through a large repertoire of resources, including a dedicated workspace, multiple 3D printers, a laser cutter, and 9 TAs with associated office hours.

With the combination of projects, curriculum, and resources, students are able to build a skill set that includes research and documentation, 3D modeling, instrumentation, the design process, circuitry, data acquisition, and operation of microcontrollers as well as a variety of other sensory devices. These fundamental skills acquired throughout their first semester provides students with the tools they need to be well prepared for any engineering project or obstacle they will encounter along the way in their educational journey.

Citation
Format

Garcia, J., & Harlow, R. E., & Nunez, E. A., & Velasquez, L. I., & O'Malley, C. J. (2020, June), The Implementation of Dynamic Learning in a Project-based Introductory Engineering Course Paper presented at 2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access, Virtual On line . 10.18260/1-2--35338

TY  - CPAPER
AB  - Undergraduate programs are designed to facilitate the understanding of fundamental engineering concepts through a series of courses and projects. Each is difficult in their own regards, especially when considering that students from all backgrounds and experience levels desire to pursue engineering degrees, and it is imperative that all feel comfortable with the foundational aspects of the field. 

Advanced engineering topics can be covered in introductory-level courses by focusing on student engagement through project-centered learning. In the Introductory to Mechanical Engineering course at “University of ______” it is our goal to teach just this, through the use of interesting and unique projects each with a different outcome. Students conduct a mid semester project focusing on the challenge of designing a structure capable of withstanding high-velocity projectiles. The choice of a semester long design project is also incorporated, focusing on the topics of vibrational analysis in dynamic structures and biomimicry in soft robotics. Each of these projects ranges in time-scale, complexity, and clarity of their outcomes with both being open ended but one having a more defined approach to success, yet neither being simpler than the other. 

The mid-semester project aims to highlight a specific field and yet another advanced topic while focusing on building teamwork skills in a large group project setting. The goal for this project is to have students design, fabricate, and test a simulated version of a meteorite shield for space vehicles. The semester-long projects focus on interest and retain students by having them solve a seemingly difficult engineering problem using simple and common knowledge, much of which is covered in class. Each of these projects is made possible through a large repertoire of resources, including a dedicated workspace, multiple 3D printers, a laser cutter, and 9 TAs with associated office hours. 

With the combination of projects, curriculum, and resources, students are able to build a skill set that includes research and documentation, 3D modeling, instrumentation, the design process, circuitry, data acquisition, and operation of microcontrollers as well as a variety of other sensory devices. These fundamental skills acquired throughout their first semester provides students with the tools they need to be well prepared for any engineering project or obstacle they will encounter along the way in their educational journey. 

AU  - Johnathon Garcia
AU  - Ryan E. Harlow
AU  - Estevan Andres Nunez
AU  - lorena Isabel Velasquez
AU  - Curtis John O'Malley
CY  - Virtual On line 
DA  - 2020/06/22
PB  - ASEE Conferences
TI  - The Implementation of Dynamic Learning in a Project-based Introductory Engineering Course
UR  - https://peer.asee.org/35338
DO  - 10.18260/1-2--35338
ER  -