An Experiential Learning Activity to Promote Skill Development in First Year Engineering Students

This paper describes an experiential
learning activity to promote skill development in
first year engineering students. The exercise involves
the assembly of a remote-control car using readily
available part kits. Students work in small teams
under the mentorship of experienced faculty members
from a variety of engineering backgrounds. The goal
of the exercise is to introduce engineering design into
first year engineering by providing students with an
engaging, hands-on experience. The exercise is one
of several new activities being incorporated into the
Ideas Clinic Experience for engineering students at
the University of Waterloo.