Research shows that that children learn science and engineering subjects best by engaging from an early age in the kinds of practices used by real scientists and engineers. By doing science and engineering, children not only develop and refine their understanding of the core ideas and crosscutting concepts of these disciplines, but can also be…

The undergraduate years are a turning point in producing scientifically literate citizens and future scientists and engineers. Evidence from research about how students learn science and engineering shows that teaching strategies that motivate and engage students will improve their learning. So how do students best learn science and engineering?…

The COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in widespread and ongoing changes to how the K-12 education system functions, including disruptions to science teaching and learning environments. Students and teachers are all figuring out how to do schooling differently, and districts and states are working overtime to reimagine systems and processes. This is…

Discussed is a method to teach undergraduate students how to complete a conceptual design. Presents three tools to use: (1) how to use order-of-magnitude arguments to simplify problems, (2) how to derive design heuristics, and (3) how to decompose large problems into a set of small, simple problems. (Author/MVL)

This paper discusses the mechanization of mathematical functions by means of analog electronics. Five different approaches are described which demonstrate the versatility of the analog technique by using parabolic function, exponential decay technique, projectile trajectory, trigonometry, and piecewise linear approximation techniques. (YP)

Illustrates how triangular diagrams can aid in presenting some of the rather complex transient interactions that occur among gas and surface species during heterogeneous catalytic reactions. The basic equations and numerical examples are described. Classroom use of the triangular diagram is discussed. Several diagrams and graphs are provided. (YP)

Lists articles and books related to engineering technology education published in 1988. Items are grouped administration, aeronautical, architectural, CAD/CAM, civil, computers, curriculum, electrical/electronics, industrial, industry/government/employers, instructional technology, laboratories, lasers, liberal studies, manufacturing, mechanical,…

Describes a three-dimensional computer aided design software package, CADKEY, for demonstrating orthographic orthodirectional projection theory to a classroom. Provides several figures for showing the demonstrations. (Author/YP)

Provides a definition for creativity and illustrates it with examples from the history of science. Also indicates how the definition suggests some possibly useful procedures for educating creative scientists and engineers. (JN)

Describes the Heat Exchanger Network Synthesis (HENS) program used at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Massachusetts) as an aid to teaching the energy integration step in process design. Focuses on the benefits of the computer graphics used in the program to increase the speed of generating and changing networks. (TW)

Demonstrates one method for finding parallel tangents to a cylinder based on geometric properties of the three dimensional representation of the cylinders. Uses rotational transformations to obtain a three dimensional view. Provides a starting point for those studying geometric methods as a lead into computer assisted drafting. (CW)

Describes an approach to teaching engineering design that involves analyzing, designing, building, and testing a simple structure. Explains the procedures for the various activities and discusses how the design concept can be incorporated into other courses. (ML)

This set of lecture notes is used as a supplemental text for the teaching of fluid dynamics, as one component of a thermodynamics course for engineering technologists. The major text for the course covered basic fluids concepts such as pressure, mass flow, and specific weight. The objective of this document was to present additional fluids…

Reported are the results of a 1987 survey of U.S. chemical engineering departments on health and safety. Some details of what is being done at the University of Alabama are provided. A syllabus and reading resources for a survey course on safety, health, environmental, and ethical issues are included. (MVL)

Described are the essential elements of memos; suggested are a basic format for organization, and two problems to which technical specialists' memos seem particularly susceptible. Included is a memo assignment used in senior design classes and professional development seminars. (MVL)