Concept learning embedded in a freshman engineering project on energy scavenging

This paper describes a freshman engineering hands-on project where students design and build a vibrating system that is used to perform energy scavenging experiments. By working on this project students become familiar with important engineering concepts, such as signal amplitude and frequency, in a simple manner. They also gain experience and an appreciation of standard engineering design practices. The pre- and post-processing survey shows that students increase their basic understanding of basic engineering concepts. In their reflection papers most students expressed a great deal of satisfaction with the project. A common concern stated in those papers was the large amount of time dedicated to successfully complete the various required tasks.