A Web-based instructional module for teaching middle school students engineering design with simple machines

Journal of Engineering Education, Oct 1998 by McKenna, Ann, Agogino, Alice

Another observation of student behavior was that students copied information from the web pages into their notebooks. The web environment was designed so that all of the necessary information was supplied in the module. The information is stored on the web pages and can be accessed anytime when needed. Apparently some students preferred to have the information off-line and devoted much time in copying the text word-for-word in their notes. Based on these observations, future classes will also supply students with off-line, text-based support materials. This will hopefully reduce the amount of time students spend on unnecessary copying.

VII. SUMMARY AND FUTURE WORK

The basic structure of the on-line simple machines instructional environment has been established, and the cognitive goals defined. However, additional pages for the gear, the pulley, the inclined plane, and the wheel and axle still need to be designed.

The simple machines instructional module has been used in a pilot study to garner student feedback for future developments. Initial results suggest that the module contributes to development of the established cognitive goals. Student work and comments indicate that students developed valid concepts about simple machines, engaged in and practiced engineering design problem solving skills, recognized the connection between theory and equations and the building of actual devices, and reflected on their work to interpret and make sense of the results.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to gratefully acknowledge the help of Mark Jeffery in writing the code for the Java applets and the CGI scripts. His contribution was critical in developing an interactive module. Special thanks are due to Brandon Muramatsu, Robert Lettieri, and Greg Paschall for their efforts in scheduling and assisting with the use of the computer lab. Finally we would also like to thank the members of the EMST291B class, Spring 1997 for their comments about this instructional module. They helped to clarify several cognitive and design issues regarding this instructional module.

REFERENCES

1. Crawford, R H., et al., "An Engineering Design Curriculum for the Elementary Grades,"Journal of Engineering Education, vol. 83, no. 1,1994, pp. 172-180.

2. Muller, C. B., and J. P. Collier, "Engineering Concepts in the High School Classroom: The Dartmouth/Thayer Problem-Solving Methods," Proceedings, 1995 Frontiers in Engineering Education Conference, IEEE/ASEE, Atlanta, GA, 1995, pp. 4bl.15-4bl.18.

3. Wilson, D, et al., "Establishing the Foundations for Engineering Education in K-5," Proceedings, 1995 Frontiers in Engineering Education

Conference, IEEE/ASEE, Atlanta, GA, 1995, pp. 3b2.5-3b2.9. 4. URL for the simple machines module: http://socrates.berkeley.edu: 7009/simple_machines

5. Java Development Kit and documentation; see the Sun Microsystems Web page at http://java.sun.com 6. LEGO Dacta, 555 Taylor Road, Enfield, CT 06083-1600, http://www.lego.com

7. Linn, M.C., and L. Muilenberg, "Creating Lifelong Science Learners: What Models Form a Firm Foundation?," Educational Researcher, vol. 25, no. 5,1996, pp.18-24.