Engineering is usually taught in a traditional lecture format, involving theory in the classroom, homework outside of class, and routine examinations. Progressive forms of learning such as project based learning (PBL) have created new and fun ways for professors to interact with students and for students to be more involved in their learning. The work described here details project based learning activities for three courses in aerospace engineering. In Instrumentation and Experimental Methods, the students are tasked with integrating 3 fundamental electronic components of their choice with a microcontroller to build a final product. In Spacecraft Design, the students are tasked with building and launching a hobbyist grade rocket while also taking altitude data during the flight. In Principles of Aircraft Design the students must build and fly a radio controlled aircraft. They must also take accelerometer and GPS data during their flight.
