2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Computer aided design software (CAD) is used in the engineering field to create parametric solid models (models). The models describe the size, shape and feature content of an object and can be used for a variety of analyses including but not limited to dimensional, structural, and thermal among others. If the model dimensions and features behave parametrically and the model incorporates design intent, a great number of scenarios can be efficiently explored by manipulating the model using onboard software design studies, programming techniques, tables, or spreadsheets [1]. Parametric models are also important so that changes necessary during the design process can be efficiently made [5]. This critical thinking teaching proposal is applicable to a junior level solid modeling course that could be offered in a bachelor’s level mechanical engineering technology (MET) program. The goal of the solid modeling course would be to teach the importance of and how to build parametric solid models capturing the design intent of the object or objects being modeled.
By the time students arrive in the course, many are bound to have experience with CAD software and creating solid models. This experience is gained through other courses, hobbies, and work. By observation in the classroom, few students have experience with parametric modeling and design intent as the past focus has been to simply create a solid model of desired shape by any means since the goal is simply to make a model [1].
This paper explores a technique for implementing critical thinking into a solid modeling course to improve teaching the importance of design intent and parametric modeling. Key enablers are to incorporate the critical thinking dispositions of systematicity and analyticity into the process of creating and building parametric solid models and to achieve design intent in the models.
A concept map and a process flow map are presented with the aim of implementing these tools into the teaching of the course. Concept maps (and process flow maps) are visual tools that reinforce the relationship of concepts and provide a framework for thinking and conceptual understanding [2].