2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This research initiative explores the innovative integration of problem-based learning (PBL) and entrepreneurial mindset learning (EML) in the early and middle stages of mechanical engineering education, with a specific emphasis on Statics and Dynamics. This transformative approach aims to provide students with a well-rounded educational experience, combining theoretical foundations, practical applications, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

In the early stages, foundational statics and dynamics courses serve as platforms for theoretical exploration and problem-solving. The PBL component introduces real-world engineering challenges, fostering proactive thinking. Students engage in two dynamic projects:

1. Truss Bridge Design (Statics):
- Students undertake the design, calculation, and testing of a truss bridge.
- Theoretical statics principles guide load-bearing calculations, stress distribution, and structural analysis.
- A physical prototype is created and subjected to controlled testing, providing hands-on experience and reinforcing a practical understanding of statics principles.

2. Pendulum-Powered Hockey Stick Puck Launcher (Dynamics):
- Students design, calculate and implement a pendulum-powered hockey stick puck launcher.
- Theoretical dynamics concepts guide calculations for trajectory and energy transfer.
- A physical prototype is tested to validate theoretical expectations, providing practical insights into dynamic principles.

Throughout both projects, an entrepreneurial mindset is cultivated by incorporating considerations of market needs, user experiences, and broader applications. This intentional integration ensures that students not only grasp theoretical concepts but also understand the practical implications of their engineering solutions in real-world scenarios.

In addition to the projects, the research incorporates an established survey to gauge the impact of the implemented PBL and EML elements. The Entrepreneurial Minded Learning (EML) survey, adapted from the Engineering and Science Entrepreneurial Mindset Assessment (ESEMA), is utilized before and after the project implementation. This survey assesses students' perceptions and understanding of entrepreneurial concepts, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the impact and effectiveness of the integrated approach.

This research aims to demonstrate the transformative potential of integrating PBL and EML in the early and middle stages of mechanical engineering education, using statics and dynamics courses as foundational pillars. The combination of theoretical knowledge, practical application, and entrepreneurial thinking seeks to prepare students for the challenges and dynamism of the evolving field of mechanical engineering.