Strength of Materials Laboratory of the Civil Engineering Department at ISEP

This paper describes the experience of the Strength of Materials Laboratory of the Civil Engineering Department of the Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP) in supporting various civil engineering disciplines, within programs which are fundamental to an education in the field of engineering, as well as the continued study of other disciplines. Equipment and laboratory tests are described, as well as the creation of new tests, which all complement the teaching and increase student motivation. The article also describes laboratory activities in programs and projects with younger students, which were initiated in order to encourage creativity and reflection in these students.