A cornerstone freshman design experience

Abstract

In 1997 a major overhaul of the introductory experience to Mechanical Engineering at Florida Tech was initiated. The purpose of this overhaul was to develop an experience that would serve to: (1) prepare students for the ME curriculum, (2) motivate students to complete their studies, (3) provide students with academic success skills, and (4) introduce students to the engineering profession. The format chosen to realize this goal is a yearlong sequence of two courses that freshman take entitled Introduction to Mechanical Engineering I (MAE1022 Fall, 2 credits) and II (MAE 1023 Spring, 1 credit). This sequence is a project-motivated experience inspired by traditional capstone design courses. In the fall students are taught basic academic success skills such as time management, study skills, working in study groups, self-motivation, and goal setting. Next, a major team-based design project is assigned. This is immediately followed by an introduction to basic design theory and methodology including brainstorming techniques. Students then learn the skills they need in order to complete the design: computer-aided design via Pro/ENGINEER, basic machine shop skills, generating dimensioned production drawings, project management including timelines and Gantt charts, project budgeting, and documentation. The major assignment in the fall course is the design proposal that each team prepares. In the spring course student teams complete their designs, fabricate functioning devices, and demonstrate these devices to the campus community.