Computers afford opportunities for creative instructional activities that are not possible in the traditional lecture-and-textbook class format. Two computer-based interactive games for engineering statics are described in this study. These games are designed to foster proficiency and confidence in narrowly defined but essential topics through the use of repetition and carefully constructed levels of difficulty. The game format provides students with a learning structure and an incentive to develop skills at their own pace in a nonjudgmental but competitive and often fun environment. Quantitative and qualitative assessments of both games revealed that: (a) students' quantitative ratings and comments were consistently positive; (b) students who used the games scored significantly higher on quizzes over the subject material than those who learned via traditional lecture; and (c) students rated the games as significantly more effective than the textbook as an aid for learning the material. Materials presented in this article are available at

Two unique instructional modules-the Plane Stress TransformationsModule and the Mohr's Circle for Plane Stress Module-developed for the Mechanics of Materials course are presented. Formative assessment data gathered from Mechanics of Materials students pertaining to these courseware modules are presented and discussed. General conclusions and recommendations are presented. ß

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