Engineering-Mechanical (56) This project is a collaborative project between the University of Houston at Clear Lake and the University of Houston to develop multifunctional Labs-to-Go (LTG) kits that would enable undergraduate engineering students to engage in take-home hands-on experiments. The LTG kits include a set of components that can be easily configured to perform a range of experiments. The kits will be used in combination with course modules on the topics of systems dynamics, vibrations, controls, smart materials, active vibration damping, and sensors. The LTG kits provide students with an experimental and experiential component to help them better understand the associated physical concepts and theories. The project engages seven instructors from two universities. The LTG kits will be integrated into 16 courses with an anticipated impact on 525 engineering and technology students. Due to the diverse nature of the student populations at the institutions, the project aims to impact approximately 260 minority students. The LTG kits will target student learning of structures, dynamics, control, and electronics technology in multiple disciplines including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electronics technology. The project includes outreach efforts such as an exhibition at the Children's Museum of Houston and performing demos at local high schools.
In this NSF Sponsored project, we have designed, fabricated, and tested the innovative affordable take-home Labs-to-Go (LTG) kits. The portable and multifunctional Labs-to-Go technology can enable take-home hands-on experiments that are suitable for multidisciplinary undergraduate engineering and technology education by using the available USB-based data acquisition and real time control as well as smart materials technologies. The LTG kits are multifunctional and can be easily reconfigured into six different structures that target different application areas, which makes the kits suitable for multidisciplinary education. The proposed LTG technology can enable the active learning protocol by developing an interactive environment for students to explore theoretical concepts through combined physical models and computer simulations/analytical modeling. In addition, we implemented the Lab-to-Go kits as in-classroom demonstrations to motivate and assist students learning in College of Engineering and College of Technology at University of Houston. The Lab-to-Go kits were integrated into the teaching in the following courses or events as in-classroom demonstrations These courses/events include: Introduction to Mechanical Engineering, Fall 2012 and Spring 2012 Semester, College of Engineering Vibrations and Controls Laboratory, Fall 2012 and Spring 2012 Semester, College of Engineering Intelligent Structural System, Spring 2013 Semester, College of Engineering ISA (International Society of Automation) Seminar, Spring 2013 Semester, College of Technology Other courses at UH and UH-Clear Lake. We integrated the Lab-to-Go kits with a lab course as hands-on experiments to benefit engineering students learning at University of Houston. The LTG kits were used as hands-on experiments in Vibrations and Controls Lab (MECE4372) in Spring 2011, Fall 2011, and Fall 2012. For Spring 2011, students performed in-lab hands-on experiments using the LTG kits. For Fall 2011 and Fall 2012, the LTG kits were checked out to students and students perform hands-on experiments outside of the lab. Students conducted various dynamic system and vibration experiments, include measurement of vibration using piezo transducers, estimation of the damping ratio of a dynamic system, calculation of the natural frequency of a dynamic system, and finding the transfer function of a dynamic system. In addition, students learned piezoceramic materials as transducers. The following lists the key outcomes of the project: Improved the learning of a diverse student population in not only Mechanical Engineering but also Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Engineering Technology at UH by using the innovative teaching materials enabled by the LTG kits during the past 3 years Formed a community of scholars who are interested in improving undergraduate teaching by using in-classroom demonstrations and hands-on experiments to engage them in educational innovation. This project fostered the collaboration among many engineering and technology faculty members, including Dr. Song of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Rao of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Mo of Civil Engineering, Dr. Dabney of System Engineering, Dr. Yuan of Engineering Technology and Dr. Malki of Engineering Technology. Through this community of scholars, the professors worked on and submitted several proposals related to undergraduate teaching. Developed expertise for the participating faculty members through training and development initiatives. Through this project, Dr. Rao of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Mo of Civil Engineering, Dr. Yuan of Engineering Technology and Dr. Malki of Engineering Technology learned about smart materials and structures and piezoceramic based transducers. Disseminated results and findings of this project via seminars, guest lectures, public events, and website. Integrated the LTG with outreach activities to benefit K-12 students and the general public. Offered training opportunities to two Ph.D. students at University of Houston. These two Ph.D. students will graduate in 2014 and 2015.
