Projects for introductory Newtonian dynamics courses
Allan Bower (Brown University)
Mechanics Education
Mon 10:45 - 12:15
RI Hall 108
Incorporating design projects into introductory courses at Brown has helped to engage students, and teaches skills that complement traditional lecture material. We will describe several design projects that can readily be incorporated into an introductory Newtonian Dynamics class. The projects include significant design calculations; use of computer simulations; teamwork; as well as hands-on construction and testing. Each project can be completed by a class of over 150 students in a week, requires only simple workshop facilities, and costs less that $10 per student in materials and supplies.