Sundials Make Interesting Freshman Design Projects

Abstract

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.

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“…Some programs have opted to include laboratory experiences, 1,2 reverse engineering, or design projects. 4,5,6 In many cases programs will use some mix of these three strategies.…”