Introducing Project-based Engineering Laboratory to Non-engineering Undergraduate Students

Project-based engineering laboratories were introduced in a general elective (GE) course enrolled by non-engineering major students. These laboratories aimed to provide the students a hands-on experience opportunity with engineering tool and to encourage students to pursue careers in engineering fields. The lab activities consisted of four two-hour-and-fifty-minute sessions on sensors, actuators, microcontroller, and 3D printing. The first activity constituted of a set of experiments with various sensors and actuators. The second activity was based on an Arduino robotic car kit. Students assembled, programmed, and tested the car in two lab sessions. The third activity was conducted at the Sonoma State University Makerspace. Students worked with 3D printers, CNC Mill, laser cuter, heat press, and other equipment. Feedback surveys were conducted at the end of each lab activity. The survey responses for all four labs were highly positive. In addition, the survey indicated that these laboratories helped the students acquire a better understanding of engineering field, and to raise their interests in engineering programs. The developed laboratories, implementation methods, and assessment results, including student feedback and responses, are presented and discussed.