Make and Test Projects in Engineering Design

Book excerpt: Make and test projects are used as introductory design experiences in almost every engineering educational institution world wide. However, the educational benefits and costs associated with these projects have been seldom examined. Make and Test Projects in Engineering Design provides a serious examination of the design of make and test projects and their associated educational values. A taxonomy is provided for the design of make and test projects as well as a catalogue of technical information about unconventional engineering materials and energy sources. Case studies are included based on the author’s experience of supervising make and test projects for over twenty-five years. The book is aimed at the engineering educator and all those planning and conducting make and test projects. Up until now, this topic has been dealt with informally. Make and Test Projects in Engineering Design is the first book that formalises this important aspect of early learning in engineering design. It will be an invaluable teaching tool and resource for educators in engineering design.