A Learning Module Using Engineering Design Process and Legacy Cycle for a Freshmen-level Robotic Class

摘要

Abstract A Learning Module Using Engineering Design Process and Legacy Cycle for A Freshmen level Robotic ClassS.T.A.R Legacy Cycle is an approach to design a challenge-based learning environment forclassrooms. Engineering design process is a multiple-step process that engineers use to solveproblems and meet objectives. The implementation of the engineering design with the LegacyCycle in the current robotics project is a viable alternative to attract and guide freshman collegestudents to conduct research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)disciplines.The project describes design, implementation, and evaluation of a learning module that integratesengineering design process with Legacy Cycle for a freshmen level robotics class in a two-yearcollege, ___-___ College, during the Fall-2011 semester. The two-year college faculty memberparticipated in a six-week hands-on summer research program, Research Experience forTeachers in Manufacturing for Competitiveness in the US (RETainUS), at a local four-yearuniversity. The learning module was developed based on the faculty member research experience,gained during the RETainUS program, and educational goals. The module uses a roboticengineering team project to guide students through the engineering design process to solve twogiven challenges: the Destination and the Maze. The first challenge asks the teams to build andprogram robots to move forward, make turns, change speeds, avoid objects and stop at the finishline. The second challenge is a classic maze problem. Teams of two students were formed tobrainstorm, conduct research, design, build, test and compare two robots, LEGO Mindstorm andParallax Boe-Bot, for the given engineering challenges. Students are expected to write a formalengineering technical report and give a presentation/demo about their project outcomes at theend of the project. The project students are to gain fundamental engineering designmethodologies, technical knowledge and hands-on skills in robotics field.The pre-survey focused on students’ opinions and beliefs about science and engineering in theirschools and lives. The pre-survey has been conducted and examined. The post-survey will beconducted at the end of the project and will be compared with student responses in the pre-survey to quantify the student educational outcomes and effectiveness of the project experience.The pre- and post-surveys along with the student class evaluations will be analyzed to improvethe learning module content and project execution.