An Integrated Project-Based Course in Mathematics and Engineering

Savannah State University, 2006 - $7,500

This grant supports a new mathematics course at SSU that seeks to increase retention rates of minority students, introduce engineering problem-solving methodologies in mathematics courses, and promote teamwork among students. The course is meant to target, initially, ten first year students as well as E-Teams of two to four sophomore students in engineering and technology programs.

The project-based course will use an application-oriented, hands-on approach, addressing only the salient math topics actually used in a variety of core engineering and technology courses. Course material will emphasize physical experiments and projects in collaboration with industrial partners. Introducing E-Teams into the course will allow the university to partner with local companies to simulate collaboration between public and private sectors. A team of Electronics Engineering Technology faculty, students and industry mentors will design and develop animatronics and emotional face display robots. Students will be challenged to develop models with the purpose of creating interest in learning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The long-term goal is to have students create product prototypes that can be commercialized by an external company.