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This paper presents the results of an ongoing effort to integrate hands-on machining, analysis and design experiences in several courses in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Ten inexpensive, desktop computer numerical control (CNC) prototyping machines have been introduced to provide students with direct access to hobbyist level prototyping capability (machining wax, wood, ABS plastic, etc.), which might not otherwise be possible with more expensive CNC machines. Example course projects are presented to illustrate how desktop CNC machines can be used to integrate part and prototype realization in engineering education. Results of student motivation surveys in these hands-on courses were compared with results from more traditional lecture-based courses. Our qualitative and quantitative survey results show that, on average, students in the hands-on courses experience higher levels of intrinsic motivation and identified regulation when compared with students enrolled in more traditional, lecture-based courses.

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