2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

BOARD # 189: WIP: Using the Statics Concept Inventory to Assess Hands-On Learning in Statics

Presented at Mechanical Engineering Division (MECH) Poster Session

This paper explores the use of didactic materials to enhance the understanding of fundamental concepts in Statics. This exploration integrates hands-on activities in problem-solving studio sessions. By combining these activities with the Statics Concept Inventory, the approach seeks to reduce common student errors and enhance their ability to apply Statics concepts in isolation (Steif & Dantzler, 2005). A long-term goal of this exploration is to transform the traditional Statics course delivery into engaging, studio-like environments that embody principles of entrepreneurially minded learning (EML) through regular problem-solving sessions and mini-labs in our institution.

The assessment method utilized the Statics Concept Inventory through pre-test and post-test comparisons to measure improvements in students’ conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. Before starting a mini-lab on a specific concept, a pre-test is administered to both the control and experimental groups. After each mini-lab, which involves a rotational design alternating the use of statics sets, including tools like the PASCO Statics System, students retake a post-test featuring the same problems and complete a survey. In one mini-lab, some teams use the Statics sets while solving problems, while other teams (control group) complete the same tasks without the sets; the roles are reversed in subsequent labs. The post-test provides quantitative data on their understanding, while the survey captures qualitative insights into their perceptions of using the didactic sets. This rotation facilitates a direct comparison between the experiences of working with and without the sets, allowing statistical analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of the statics sets and hands-on activities in enhancing students’ learning.

This work is supported by the Kern Family Foundation through the 2024 KEEN Engineering Unleashed Fellows Award.

Reference:
Steif, P. S., & Dantzler, J. A. (2005). A statics concept inventory: Development and psychometric analysis. Journal of Engineering Education, 94(4), 363-371.

Authors

Dr. Danahe Marmolejo http://orcid.org/0009-0008-5365-9366 Saint Louis University [biography]

Dr. Danahe Marmolejo, an Assistant Professor in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at Saint Louis University’s School of Science and Engineering since 2022, specializes in Thermodynamics and Process Systems Engineering. With a background in Chemical Engineering, she teaches engineering courses, primarily for first—and second-year students. Her current research focuses on improving engineering education and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in learning environments.
Dr. Sridhar S. Condoor http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5396-7483 Saint Louis University [biography]

Professor with a demonstrated history of working in the design innovation and technology entrepreneurship areas. Skilled in Innovation Management, Applied Research & Product Design, Entrepreneurship, and Training Next Generation Innovators and Entrepreneurs.
Dr. Jalil Kianfar http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9543-1481 Saint Louis University [biography]

Dr. Jalil Kianfar is an associate professor of civil engineering at Saint Louis University and a registered professional engineer (P.E.) in the state of Missouri. In addition to his academic experience, Dr. Kianfar has five years of industry experience as a traffic engineer that informs his teaching, research and service. Dr. Kianfar research interests and background includes traffic operations and roadway safety, construction zones and work zone traffic control, and smart cities and connected and autonomous vehicles. Dr. Kianfar work has been supported by Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), among others. Dr. Kianfar also has an interest in engineering education research including blended learning environments, active and collaborative learning, and STEM outreach. Dr. Kianfar is a member of Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). Dr. Kianfar is a certified Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) and Road Safety Professional (RSP I).

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