Board 155: Introduction and Assessment of i-Newton for the Engaged Learning of Engineering Dynamics

Newtonian mechanics, particularly dynamics, can be inherently difficult to teach in a large lecture setting. The study of motion is not always easily represented through traditional teaching methods that include lectures on theory augmented with homework problems. Motion, however, can be readily measured and analyzed using a new inexpensive technology known as inertial measurement units (IMUs), and IMU-based experiments can be incorporated into large classes to expose concepts about motion. We hypothesize using such experiments will: 1) increase student understanding of dynamics concepts, 2) build student self-efficacy, and 3) grow student intention to persist in the field.