Reports on a project sponsored by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) that engages students in building solar cars in groups with kits that include a three volt panel. The design and engineering decisions are made by the students using pertinent information. (DDR)

Syndicate studies simulate industrial situations and have proved to be an effective and adaptable small-group teaching strategy in electrical and electronic engineering classes. Outlines a planning exercise for surface mounted technology: aim, execution, company management, and tasks; provides examples of a meeting agenda; workshop discussion…

Reports on a project that extended the Engineering Design Graphics curriculum to include instruction and laboratory experience in computer-aided design, analysis, and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Discusses issues in project implementation, including introduction of finite element analysis to lower-division students, feasibility of classroom prototype…

First-year students (n=369) at an engineering institute were divided into experimental and control groups and given pre- and post-tests. Experimental groups were taught force concepts in mechanics in a constructivist way. Results found the new method helped students understand the interaction idea of the force concept. (MKR)

Describes a simple experiment that uses a CCD video camera, a display monitor, and a laser-printed bar pattern to illustrate signal sampling problems that produce aliasing or moiri fringes in images. Uses the Fourier transform to provide an appropriate and elegant means to explain the sampling theorem and the aliasing phenomenon in CCD-based…

Explains that the focus of National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) is to engage students in science and engineering activities that explore the world of communication technology. Provides a description of some hands-on exploration materials available for activities related to the theme of NSTW 1997, and includes a sample activity, The Binary…

The Society of Automotive Engineers is involved in developing middle school curriculum for technology education based on authentic engineering design challenges. The design brief model fits real-world practices and integrates science, math, and technology. (SK)

Introduces a case study on a motion picture company considering the purchase of a newly developed zoom lens in which students act as the engineers designing the zoom lens based on the criteria of company's specifications. Focuses on geometrical optics. Includes teaching notes and classroom management strategies. (YDS)

Considers the issues involved in developing the concept of the renaissance engineer for the 21st century and offers reflections on areas and specific considerations for lifelong learning. Addresses the development of e-learning within the context of professional lifelong learning as a 'disruptive' development and discusses its future role.…

Explicates the impact of an 8-week science apprenticeship program on a group of high-ability secondary students' understanding of the nature of science and scientific inquiry. Reports that although most students did appear to gain knowledge about the process of scientific inquiry, their conceptions about key aspects of the nature of science…

Presents the results of an empirical study comparing writing and engineering instructors' responses to students' technical writing. Indicates that the gap between engineering and writing teachers' standards for evaluating technical writing is not as wide as is generally assumed. Concludes that the differences that do emerge suggest ways that the…

Notes that reforms in engineering education have caused a shift from the traditional stand-alone courses in technical communication for engineering students towards communication training integrated in courses and design projects that allows students to develop four levels of competence. Describes three formats for integrated communication…

Describes the Engineering Link Project for Year 11 students that might have an interest in engineering. It is a three-day course organized by teachers and conducted by engineers to give students the opportunity to test materials, design, construct, and try their own solutions to an engineering problem. (AIM)

Discusses how emerging technologies enhance existing methods of learning and create new ways for institutions of higher education to fulfill their core teaching and learning missions, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Explores technology planning. (EV)

Suggests that it is important to introduce liberal arts students to the essence of engineering. Describes Robotic Design Studio, a course in which students learn how to design, assemble, and program robots made out of LEGO parts, sensors, motors, and small embedded computers. Represents an alternative vision of how robot design can be used to…