Engineering - Mechanical (56) The Finite Element Method (FEM) is an important tool used to solve complex engineering problems. In many industries it has become a required skill set for engineering practitioners. Despite the importance of FEM, however, it is not typically taught in undergraduate engineering programs except as a senior-level elective course. This project involves developing FEM applications in a modular format for infusion throughout the mechanical engineering undergraduate curriculum. The modules are based on sound cognitive principals and appeal to a wide array of learning styles. The modules are being used to promote new teaching strategies, abstract modeling, and conceptual analysis and differ significantly from traditional software-specific commercially available tutorials. The modules are being incorporated into a variety of fundamental courses in mechanical engineering, including courses in strength of materials, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, and are being rigorously evaluated for their impact on improved student learning. The perceptions of women and minority students towards the learning modules are of particular interest in the project evaluation.
