The Development of a Hands-on Impact Testing Lab/Mini-Project in the Context of Machine Component Design

Traditionally, engineering labs are conducted in such a way that students are given well-defined descriptions and/or procedures and the emphasis is on data collection and analysis. Since ABET student outcome "6" specifically requires students to develop capability to design experiments, a hands-on mini-lab/project activity was developed in the context of a Machine Component Design course to address this need. Students were required to design and conduct an experiment that would verify the impact theory they just learned in the lecture portion of the class. Only very general guidelines were given in the lab descriptions, giving students significant freedom to design their own lab. The lab/project is team-based. Students showed great enthusiasm and reported with excitement what they've learned. Student teams presented their work in class and submitted a written report. Student learning outcome assessment results are shared.