Keywords: Demonstration models, hands-on
learning
A Low Cost Approach for Rapidly
Creating Demonstration Models for
Hands-on Learning
Kristoph-Dietrich Kinzli
Florida Gulf Coast University
Why?
“Numerous engineering courses lend themselves to
teaching methods that utilize demonstration models.
Demonstration models allow students to readily grasp
theory and relate difficult concepts and equations to
real life”
• Problem:
– Demonstration models are costly to purchase from vendors
– They take a significant amount of time to build
– These two limiting factors pose a significant obstacle for adding
demonstrations to the curriculum.
• Educational Objective:
– Develop a low cost method to rapidly add hands-on demonstration
models to any curriculum
When?
•
•
Summer 2011 – observed demonstration models utilized at ASCE ExCEEd teaching workshop
Summer 2012 – Saw “classroom demonstration storage room” at USMA at West Point during
ASCE ExCEEd
•
Fall 2012 - Demo Design Challenge Assignment issued to students at Florida Gulf Coast University
Where?
• FGCU – Presented to colleagues in Environmental and Civil
Engineering Department (currently used in Mechanics of Materials,
Fluids, Hydrology, Hydraulics, Water Resource Design, and River
Mechanics)
• ASCE ExCEEd Teaching Workshop – (Summer 2014) Presented
to 24 professors participating in workshop
• ASEE Southeast Conference 2015 – Presented paper and
several demos at UF in Gainesville
• Adopted at – University of Alaska Fairbanks and University of
South Alabama?
What? – Over 30 demos created
Watershed model
Hydraulic rocket launcher
Manning’s channel for roughness
Buoyancy demonstration tank
Stability boats
Rainfall demonstration model
Hydrostatic force calculation
Venturi effect in updraft carburetor
Viscosity of 6 fluid types
Hydrograph demo
Centrifugal pumps
Bernoulli equation
Orifice apparatus
Hydraulic bridge
Curve Numbers (CN) plates
Major and minor headloss
Fire tornado
Hydrostatic force demo
Surface tension
Flow lines (laminar/turbulent flow)
Vortex cannon
A cubic foot of water
Multistage pumps
Pressure gages
Prognosis?
• Documenting impact:
– Buoyancy
Proficiency Levels
Before Demo
Proficiency Level 2011
After Demo
Proficiency Level 2012
After Demo
Proficiency Level 2014
> 85%
> 70%
> 65%
21%
76%
76%
48%
90%
90%
53%
89%
89%
Proficiency Levels
Before Demo
Proficiency Level 2011
After Demo
Proficiency Level 2013
After Demo
Proficiency Level 2014
> 85%
> 70%
> 65%
21%
49%
53%
65%
87%
89%
92%
100%
100%
– Watersheds
• Scale up:
– Disseminate to ASCE ExCEEd Teaching Workshop
– Publish in European Journal of Engineering Education
• Advice:
• How to reach a broader audience?
• How to adapt to other engineering courses or curriculums?