2.00GoKart – Using Electric Go-karts to Teach Introductory Design and Manufacturing at MIT

Abstract

This paper introduces an experimental lab section of the introductory Mechanical Engineering Design and Manufacturing class at MIT, where small teams of sophomore students are challenged to build and race a working electric gokart in the span of one semester. Students who have little to no experience in building mechanical and electrical systems develop skills in design concept selection, detailed optimization of select components, CAD software, design for assembly, and design for repair. We introduce this class in the wider context of the strong personal student engineering project culture of MIT, and demonstrate how such a project class can help build students' confidence and help in retainment of learned material by demonstrating and racing these gokarts at the end of the semester in front of their peers. Furthermore, we explore how this structure for projectbased learning may be applicable to development of similar programs nationwide.

Improved Student Engagement through Project-Based Learning in Freshman Engineering Design

“…In particular, the Electric Go-Kart project was implemented in the freshman/sophomore class Introduction to Design and Manufacturing. 10 Notable student outcomes of this 6 hours/week class (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) included a strong student interest in continuing to modify and use their prototypes; and providing a student (who may have no prior design or fabrication experiences) with a set of practical skills that have utility throughout the remainder of their school and career.…”