A build-at-home student laboratory experiment in mechanical vibrations

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many university educators to redesign their teaching to online delivery. This can be an effective approach for theoretical and conceptual teaching, but it is challenging to provide practical laboratory experiences. The objective here is to design a hands-on laborator...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of mechanical engineering education 2022-04, Vol.50 (2), p.240-252
Main Author: Schajer, GS
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
CAI
Colleges & universities
Computer assisted instruction
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
Experiments
Laboratories
Learning
Original
Physical properties
Redesign
Students
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Summary:The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many university educators to redesign their teaching to online delivery. This can be an effective approach for theoretical and conceptual teaching, but it is challenging to provide practical laboratory experiences. The objective here is to design a hands-on laboratory experience that can safely be undertaken by students remotely and that has substantial educational content. A new experiment was designed featuring a bifilar pendulum that students build themselves from readily available low-cost materials. This simple vibrating system has a surprisingly rich set of interesting physical characteristics that provide several important learning points. Initial trials indicate good student experience with the new experiment, notably an appreciation for the “do-it-yourself” aspect of the apparatus construction. The self-directed features and multiple learning features of the new student experiment make it attractive for use during Covid-19 times and beyond.
ISSN:0306-4190
2050-4586
DOI:10.1177/03064190211025954