2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Understanding the moment of a force is often a challenge for students in introductory statics. Many struggle to identify which forces create rotation, determine the correct moment arm, or visualize how a force produces rotation about a specific point or an axis. These difficulties often continue into more advanced topics, where a weak conceptual foundation limits students’ ability to apply equilibrium principles effectively.
Moment Master was created to help address these challenges through an interactive, browser-based learning environment. The tool guides students through a series of gamified levels that build from simple two-dimensional moment problems to fully three-dimensional cases. At each level, students select forces, choose moment points, and calculate resulting moments using a scalar formulation while receiving immediate, animated feedback that visually shows the corresponding rotation. The goal is to help students connect what they see in a diagram with the physical meaning of a moment, rather than treating it as an abstract formula.
Grounded in constructivist learning theory and research on multiple representations in engineering education, Moment Master is designed as a digital manipulative – something students can actively explore rather than passively watch. Its lightweight, web-based design allows it to run on any device making it ideal for students to use on their own as a self-paced study.
While classroom testing is planned for future work, this paper focuses on the motivation behind the project, key design decisions, and pedagogical implications. The discussion highlights how interactive, game-based tools like Moment Master can support conceptual understanding and complement traditional instruction in statics and other mechanics courses.