Bridging Theory and Practice: A Novel Educational Lab Kit for Fluid Power Instruction.

Saved in:

Bibliographic Details
Title:	Bridging Theory and Practice: A Novel Educational Lab Kit for Fluid Power Instruction.
Authors:	Metwaly, Mohammed¹, El Breidi, Farid², Garcia-Bravo, Jose M.³
Source:	Journal of Engineering Technology. Fall2025, Vol. 42 Issue 2, p14-22. 9p.
Subjects:	Fluid power technology, Engineering education, Electromechanical devices, Acquisition of data, Laboratory equipment & supplies, Student engagement, Pneumatic actuators, Activity programs in education
Abstract:	Fluid power is a multidisciplinary field crucial to various engineering applications. Introducing it early in the engineering curriculum helps students understand foundational principles critical for future work in fields such as mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineering. This paper presents a lab kit and five educational modules designed to teach core fluid power principles and support electro-mechanical technologies through handson activities. Each module focuses on specific learning objectives, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Students engage in activities like constructing and controlling a pneumatic gripper, calibrating a sensor with a custom-built deadweight tester, and grasping data acquisition skills using Arduino and pressure transducers. The lab kit was tested by junior and senior engineering technology students, providing a novel approach to reinforce fluid power technology concepts. Preliminary feedback suggests this approach increases student engagement, interest in fluid power, and perceived performance and competence. The kit's versatility allows for future exploration of additional fluid power concepts and learning outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
	Copyright of Journal of Engineering Technology is the property of ASEE and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database:	Engineering Source

Description
Abstract:	Fluid power is a multidisciplinary field crucial to various engineering applications. Introducing it early in the engineering curriculum helps students understand foundational principles critical for future work in fields such as mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineering. This paper presents a lab kit and five educational modules designed to teach core fluid power principles and support electro-mechanical technologies through handson activities. Each module focuses on specific learning objectives, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Students engage in activities like constructing and controlling a pneumatic gripper, calibrating a sensor with a custom-built deadweight tester, and grasping data acquisition skills using Arduino and pressure transducers. The lab kit was tested by junior and senior engineering technology students, providing a novel approach to reinforce fluid power technology concepts. Preliminary feedback suggests this approach increases student engagement, interest in fluid power, and perceived performance and competence. The kit's versatility allows for future exploration of additional fluid power concepts and learning outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	07479964
DOI:	10.18260/jet.42.2.2