Laboratory From The First Day: An Efficient Method To Convey Electrical Concepts To Engineering Students

In a traditional engineering course, laboratory exercises are presented to students as a validation and reinforcement of the theory covered in the classroom. This paper proposes a change in this paradigm, engaging students first with experiments and then challenging them to explain the results. Subsequent class discussion of the underlying theory helps students complete the analysis of the measurements taken. This approach is being used in a general engineering curriculum to cover outcomes included in the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Two examples are presented to illustrate this educational approach. The first experiment uses the dissectible motor kit sold by Hampden Engineering. Students first examine the different parts of a direct current electric motor, assemble and run the motor, and then take measurements. The second example uses LabVIEW graphical programming tools to build a virtual lab which can help students understand binary numbers and arithmetic and other digital logic concepts. The approach has several advantages. The first is being able to engage the students. Incorporating algebra-based laboratory exercises in the freshman year helps to motivate the students with hands-on experiences. Also, the students gain a higher sense of accomplishment when they are first faced with a problem that they cannot solve, and then later are able to understand the concepts needed to analyze the problems. Lastly, the students are challenged, keeping their interest and promoting excitement for the course.