Implementation of a Case Study in an Engineering Science Course: A Pilot Project for Increasing Experiential Learning

It is valuable for instructors to provide real-world connections in their curricula so that engineering students can appreciate and practice integration and application of knowledge. This is essential in both engineering science and design. A variety of mechanisms have been used to accomplish this, including guest speakers, field trips and company-sourced design projects. Another useful mechanism to achieve this objective is the case study. For this reason, a case study was developed for a second year mechanical engineering solid mechanics course which involved the redesign of a chassis for model fuel cell cars. Five handson activities were developed around this case study to give students an opportunity for practical problem solving and to integrate concepts learned throughout the course. The goal for using the open-ended case study was to connect engineering science analysis to a realistic engineering design, as well as foster experiential learning. This implementation acted as a pilot project as part of the university’s long term goals to shift the mechanical engineering program towards this type of learning. The selection process for the fuel cell car case study is discussed with a focus on using design to improve engineering science courses. The course instructor provided their comments and observations, teaching strategy and learning outcomes. There were difficulties associated with setting up and coordinating all activities since this was a first-time implementation of the case study and the first use of any case study in this course. From this experience, recommendations for improvements are discussed, specifically regarding the hands-on activities, the enhancement of student experience, and creating cross-course connections in future implementations.