Hands-On Activities in Upper-Level Mechanics Courses

This paper explores the implementation of active learning methodologies in upper-level undergraduate and graduate engineering courses through hands-on activities. We present three activities: the chocolate fracture competition, strain gage pressure vessel experiment, and photoelastic gelatin in Hertzian contact. Each activity is designed to engage students in practical applications of theoretical concepts, fostering deeper understanding and information retention. By incorporating active learning, the instructors aim to improve student performance metrics, enhance engagement, and promote emotional well-being. The activities not only facilitate learning but also encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Despite requiring additional preparation and resources, the benefits of active learning outweigh the costs, making it a valuable pedagogical approach in mechanics classrooms. The positive student responses and increased curiosity further validate the effectiveness of active learning in engineering education.