Learning Static Equilibrium Using a Small Structure

Statics is a fundamental basic course relevant in various engineering programs. Teaching the calculation of static equilibrium and the involved concepts of a structure, frame, or machine is a challenge for instructors teaching the course. The main challenge for the teacher is to apply the learning contents in a real case that the student can validate with measurements of the calculations. This work presents an intervention in a statics course using a method that employs a scaled real structure designed and built by the students. The goal of this project is to provide students a tool to visualize, measure, and understand abstract concepts such as reaction forces and couple through a tangible structure. The proposed intervention is flexible, as the prototype can be built with simple, low-cost materials. Its construction and assembly do not require complex manufacturing processes or assembly operations, and the dimensions of the prototype are easy to handle manually. The students calculate the reaction forces and moments acting on this structure in static equilibrium and validate their calculations through experimental measurements on the prototype. The students develop the measurement method by identifying measuring points and characterization of the measurement instrument. This experiential tool can assist in understanding fundamental concepts studied during the course. The students' motivation is measured using the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, a validated survey finding overall a positive perception. The findings reveal that throughout the intervention, students remain interested, motivated, and involved, even while acknowledging the difficulty of the task. The presented methodology allows the development of the competencies declared in the course related to the analysis and modeling of systems in equilibrium. The intervention also enables the lecturer to observe the development of the declared competences during the design, analysis and construction of the prototype, and to assess it through a final deliverable, which includes both the prototype and the accompanying analysis. The intervention tackles the difficulty of offering a hands-on activity that enables students to grasp and apply essential and theoretical concepts in statics.