A proposal for a DEED-sponsored workshop
for the 2006 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition.
Building a Foundation for Success: An Integrated Hands-On Freshman Experience
Robert Choate, Joel Lenoir, Kevin Schmaltz
Mechanical Engineering Program
Western Kentucky University
Description:
This workshop will present an integrated freshman experience (ME 175) with a proven track
record of introducing freshman not only to engineering but also to fundamental design principles.
The course combines instruction in the professional component including ethics, computer tools,
communication and design fundamentals, with a secondary focus on student success skills.
Students experience the struggles of the design-build-test process through the design, fabrication
and assembly of a “Wobbler” oscillating steam engine. Students design their own engine for
demonstration at the close of the term.
The proposed three-hour workshop will include three main sections. The first hour will detail
the actual course, with a focus on student design projects and supporting professional component
activities. Course outcome assessment techniques will be presented, along with lessons learned
over the years. For the second hour, participants will act as “students” and assemble their own
Wobbler steam engine engines from previously CNC machined aluminum components. They
will then run their engines on compressed air in a “Wobbler Windup” similar to the ME 175 endof-semester experience. The last hour of the workshop will illustrate linkages of the course to
the rest of the curriculum. Emphasis will be placed on the course’s contribution to the program’s
Professional Component and the value of the experience to later design projects. Example
projects building on the Wobbler during the sophomore year will be shown.
Presenters:
A panel of three faculty will include Robert Choate, Joel Lenoir, and Kevin Schmaltz from
Western Kentucky University.
Enrollment:
This workshop is expected to attract about 20-25 primarily ME faculty. Non-ME faculty will
also benefit from the concepts and structure.
Fees:
A $20 fee for expendable materials will be required in addition to the $25 min charge, thereby
totaling $45 per attendee.
Time:
8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Equipment:
No special equipment is required other than conference tables and overhead projectors (LCD and
regular). Presenters will provide Laptop computer and protective covers for tables.