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In this first year seminar we will explore mechanical
engineering through a technology that all of us are familiar
with - toys. This class focuses on an important sub-group of
educational toys, hands-on kits. By constructing hands-on
kits, students “learn by doing”, a recognized method for
improving students’ learning in grades K-12 (and in
college!). Existing hands-on kits used for science and math
education for ages 10-14 will be reviewed, and the new
standards for science and technology education in
Pennsylvania will be used to guide new hands-on kit
designs. These designs will be prototyped and field-tested
with school students in grades 4-8.
Class Objectives:
- Gain
a basic understanding of the design process.
- Learn to actively and positively function as a member of a
team.
- Effectively communicate the building and analysis, design
and testing results of toy kits through engineering
presentations.
- Demonstrate professionalism in interactions with
colleagues, faculty, and staff.
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