The design of sundials makes an ideal design project for students enrolled in Intro to Engineering courses for several reasons. First, the task requires some computation, but the level of computation is accessible to any engineering freshman (nothing beyond trigonometry). Second, the project requires the use of simple hand-tools and some simple mechanical design. For example, one may add Vernier scales to the main scales. Third, the project involves some interesting, underlying science that is within the grasp of engineering freshmen. Fourth, there is a wealth of information on the subject on the worldwide web, giving students experience in searching the web for information, and obviating the need for the instructor to provide printed material to the students. There are many sundial types from which to choose (equatorial, horizontal, vertical, and analemmic to name a few) which makes it easier to keep students from "recycling" projects from one semester to the next.
In 1996, Wayne State University's Division of Engineering Technology was awarded NSF ILI grant for improving the digital design laboratory environment [1,2]. The objective of this laboratory development was to incorporate the computer-aided digital design methodology along with sophisticated PLDs [programmable logic devices] into a seamless design environment that will keep pace with the rapid technological advances. Presently, we are expanding the initial funded grant to encompass additional institutions and technologies. This paper explains the planning steps, the initial contacts, and the future enhancements that are underway. The paper will explain the laboratory enhancements and map out the plans for the expansion to other institutions including community colleges.
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