9451870 Cartwright The use of modeling for the description of physical, natural and societal systems is already well established. The increasing power of computers has allowed the "sophistication" of these models to change such that students can now perform calculations on models of a complexity not possible for students of a generation ago. These changes have made it increasingly important that students learn to assess the assumptions, validity and value of the models they use and it is important that the content and approach to current teaching reflects these changes. Furthermore the confidence to challenge and examine modeling assumptions and an awareness of the relationship between the model and the real system needs to be developed during the student's formative years at university. A new course "Exploring Engineering (EG100)", given to all freshman engineers in their first semester, and which is open to students in the college of Arts and Sciences, provides a unique opportunity to do this for large number of students. This can be further developed in the second semester in "Engineering Mechanics I (EG220)". To do this effectively with freshman level students requires a different approach to that used in the traditional laboratory or classroom situation. The advent of fast accurate personal computers supporting engineering analysis software enables this different approach. This project will develop an Integrated, Interactive Learning Laboratory (IILL) using a Macintosh platform running the LabView and Working Model software. This combination will be central to the IILL and will provide for a simple, adaptable and self-paced approach suited to a variety of learning styles. Integration of the model system and the real system will be achieved by having students use either LabView or Working Model to carry out "what if" experiments on the model, to gain understanding of, and assess, modeling assumptions, and then have them make experimental measurements for immed iate comparison with the model. The purpose of this will be to provide students with the opportunity to examine, simultaneously, the important connections and differences between real systems and the models that are made of these systems.
