Weaving A Theme Of A Engineering Firm Through The Projects Of Thermal Design Courses

This statement serves as the introduction for each of the five projects assigned in two thermal design classes (ME 416 Computer Assisted Design of Thermal Systems at Michigan State University and ME 436 Design of Thermal Systems at the University of Portland), taught at two different institutions. Utilizing this theme approach provides a connection among the five projects that have very different learning objectives. This theme approach to these projects provides the students with additional motivation through role playing and also provides the opportunity to introduce them to the business of engineering firms. This use of a theme to connect the five projects in theses courses came about due to student input. During early offerings of the courses, students complained about the disconnect among the projects. Over the years several different themes have been used and a few more are still in the development stage.