Mechanical Engineering for Modern Life is an introductory course designed for Year-1 undergraduate students, aiming to provide them with a comprehensive overview of the field of mechanical engineering and its sub-areas. To bridge the knowledge gap between Year 1 students and the theoretical concepts in different sub-areas of mechanical engineering, we have utilized a series of demonstration kits as visual aids. For instance, we have used a model aircraft lift demonstrator to show how the lifting forces are generated by an airfoil shape; we have applied a four – bar linkage demonstrator to help students understand the number of degree of freedom of a linkage and visualize the Grashof’s condition; we have employed a Venturi tube to visualize the Venturi effect and enhance understanding and application of Bernoulli’s equation; we have utilized a mini – robotic arm to show how the manipulator is controlled to move and complete tasks.

This study investigates the correlation between each demonstration kit and the aforementioned theoretical concepts. Its main goal is to analyze the results of various surveys, evaluate the effectiveness of using the demonstration kits, and quantify their impact on students' learning experiences and academic outcomes. The incorporation of demonstration kits has proved effective in helping students better comprehend the theoretical concepts and enhancing their performances in quizzes.

Authors:
Hong Tao, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Hong Tao is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in Hong Kong

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