Implementation of very low-cost fluids experiments to facilitate transformation in undergraduate engineering classes

Abstract

Portable and inexpensive Venturi nozzle and Pipe Flow experiments were implemented in a large Mechanical Engineering introductory fluids class with distance sections. Students worked in groups of three to perform experiments and worksheet led calculations during a normal lecture class time period. Pre and post quizzes were administered to assess the efficacy of the hands-on experiments. The implementation of the experiments was easy and relatively trouble free. In general, the students enjoyed the experiments and strengthened their understanding of key concepts. The results of the assessment are ambiguous. The results clearly show that active learning enhances understanding of key concepts. However, how much improvement can be attributed to the hands-on nature of the activity is not clear.