A novel design/analysis project was developed and implemented for a freshman-level introduction to mechanical engineering course. One of the major objectives of the course was to introduce fundamental computer programming concepts using MATLAB. The project incorporated both creative freedom for teaching design methodology along with engineering analysis using simple engineering principles (Archimedes' principle, and geometric optics in this case). The design project also included the

more »

... of a semester long MATLAB computer program which was used to analyze the results of their design project (conducting an analysis of their best photograph of a target to determine the enclosed area). The materials for this project were chosen to be readily available and inexpensive. However, the level of analysis in the project had the potential to be very extensive if desired. The project provided a realistic application of the math and physics freshman engineering students have learned in high school and motivated the calculus that they will be learning their first year in their college engineering curriculum.