Active Learning in the Curriculum

Through innovative teaching methods, students are provided with opportunities to learn by doing. Examples of active learning include hands-on exposure to engineering tools, technologies and materials, working on projects with real applications, group discussions in class, using clickers and case studies. At CU Boulder, opportunities for active learning are incorporated throughout the mechanical engineering curriculum. 

manufacturing active learning

Students learn to cast aluminum in Manufacturing Processes and Systems

Manufacturing Processes and Systems emphasizes hands-on learning and interaction with industry. Students participate in tours of manufacturing facilities, hear about manufacturing roles and processes from practicing engineers and gain hands-on experience with different fabrication techniques.

aluminum casting active learning

Students create a mold for casting aluminum in Manufacturing Processes and Systems

Teams of students enrolled in Manufacturing Processes and Systems worked together to create molds and practice the aluminum casting process. Other hands-on components of the class include plastic injection molding, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing and a video case study project.

data analysis active learning

Students wire a strain gauge during a lab in Data Analysis and Experimental Methods

The recently redesigned Data Analysis and Experimental Methods course focuses on integrating a foundational understanding of data acquisition and analysis techniques with hands-on lab exercises. Students learn how to design an experiment, use data collection hardware and software and analyze and communicate their results. 

component design active learning

Third-year students build bikes powered by a drill in Component Design

Student teams in Component Design apply their understanding of mechanical components and systems to design and build a vehicle powered by a cordless drill. The teams compete in an end-of-semester run-off with challenges including maneuverability, speed and endurance.

active learning clickers

Students use clickers and work collaboratively in classes like Fluid Mechanics or Heat Transfer

Clickers allow faculty to engage students and quickly gauge understanding in large classes. Through the clicker system, faculty can build time for both group and individual work into their lectures while adjusting their teaching in real-time.

design of coffee active learning

Students complete a lab in Design of Coffee

Design of Coffee is a new class taught for the first time in fall 2019. Students learn about the full coffee production process and participate in hands-on labs that challenge them to apply their learning from topics like thermodynamics and material science to brew the best tasting coffee with the least energy input.

senior design active learning

Students complete industry-sponsored projects over the year in Capstone Design

Over 200 students per year participate in Capstone Design projects sponsored by industry. The industry clients provide an initial problem statement and work closely with their teams throughout the year to support them in developing a functional, high-quality engineering solution.

senior design test review active learning

Students in Capstone Design present their work at design and manufacturing reviews

There is a strong focus in Capstone Design on pulling components of the engineering workplace into the classroom. Through that process, students learn to facilitate team meetings, manage their project progress and complete a full design cycle including design, manufacturing, finance and test plan reviews. 

senior design expo active learning

Students present Capstone Design projects to judges at the CU Engineering Projects Expo

The CU Engineering Projects Expo provides an opportunity for over 140 project teams from across the College of Engineering to showcase their work to both industry clients and the larger community. Over 40 mechanical engineering teams participated in 2019, showcasing work from both the Industry and Engineering for Social Innovation sections of Capstone Design.

aqiq active learning

Students lead high school students through a semester-long project exploring air quality

The Air Quality Inquiry (AQIQ) program conducts outreach to rural high schools. CU students travel to schools throughout Colorado to provide training on air quality monitoring, data collection and experimental methods. The K-12 students collect their own data and present it at a poster symposium in the spring.

flow visualization active learning

Students meld art with the physics of fluid flow through Flow Visualization

Flow Visualization is an interdisciplinary course including students in both engineering and the arts. Students learn about the physics of imaging and fluid flow and work together to explore methods for photographing different kinds of fluid flows.