2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This evidence-based practice paper details a hands-on design challenge for first-year engineering students aimed at fostering creativity, problem-solving, and iterative design thinking. Students were tasked with designing and 3D printing miniature boats capable of supporting maximum weight before sinking.

Motivation: The project integrates theoretical concepts of buoyancy with a practical application, allowing students to experience engineering constraints and iterative design.

Objectives:
1. Enhance understanding of buoyancy principles through hands-on learning.
2. Develop skills in computer-aided design (CAD) and additive manufacturing.
3. Cultivate iterative problem-solving and adaptability through multiple design refinements.

Practical Implementation: The project began with an introductory tin foil boat activity, transitioning to CAD-based design and 3D printing within size constraints to promote creativity and efficient use of resources. Students iteratively refined their designs over several weeks, testing them under increasingly challenging conditions, including still water and simulated wave action.

Assessment Methods: The project was evaluated through qualitative analysis of student interviews, design documentation, and performance metrics such as buoyant efficiency (weight held to boat weight ratio). Observations revealed that students progressed from maximizing volume to optimizing weight distribution and structural integrity.

This study underscores the value of structured design challenges in fostering engineering competencies, providing actionable insights for integrating similar activities into first-year engineering curricula. The paper offers practical guidance for educators to adapt this approach, emphasizing iterative learning and real-world problem-solving.