Fourteen basic experiments in mechanical engineering, intended for use at the sophomore level, are presented. The experiments are described as open-ended in order to give students the opportunity to discover the importance of stable operating conditions. The concept of experimentation is introduced and there is an interrelation between theory and experiment. The experiments allow for modifications and some of these are given with the exercise. Each experiment does not depend on the previous one, but stands by itself. Sample results, curves, data, and calculations are also included. (Author/SA)