2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This GIFTS (Great Ideas For Teaching (and Talking With) Students) work details the integration of real-world scenario-based case studies into a first-year engineering math class that has been modeled after the Wright State approach. The case studies build on existing content in a course that is already designed to enhance student motivation by blending math and engineering in meaningful and practical ways. The primary objective of the case studies is to make mathematical and engineering concepts more relatable by placing students in larger, real-life contexts where they can apply specific math skills. Another aim is to offer first-year students a broad introduction to various engineering disciplines, such as civil, biomedical, aerospace, global, environmental, electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering, giving them exposure to real-world applications in each field.

These case studies engage students with authentic engineering challenges and provide a dynamic introduction to practical engineering problems. By incorporating these scenarios into the curriculum, students encounter complex issues that go beyond the traditional application problems found in the Rattan & Klingbeil textbook. While the textbook offers a solid foundation, the case studies elevate the learning experience by presenting broader, more real-world situations that are difficult to replicate in a laboratory environment.

Fifty minutes per week is dedicated to the case studies. The students work in teams of two to three people. Over the course of the semester, they complete a total of ten case studies, each focused on a specific math topic covered in the unit. Through these exercises, they not only practice applying mathematical concepts but also engage in conceptual design to solve engineering problems. The design work remains at the conceptual level, in alignment with the time allotted. These case studies give students a valuable opportunity to approach engineering problems in a real-world context, helping bridge the gap between theoretical mathematics and practical engineering challenges.