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Collaborative, goal-oriented manipulation of artifacts by students during statics lecture

To apply statics effectively, students must link the concepts and symbols of statics to the mechanical paraphernalia of engineering. Forming these links is challenging, however, because the interactions between inanimate objects are difficult to perceive. We have consequently revamped statics instruction so as to introduce the major concepts of statics-forces, moments, couples, static equivalency, free body diagrams and equilibrium - using simple objects on which students can exert forces and couples with their own hands. Small groups of students manipulate objects in lecture. To guide student interactions with the objects, to lay bare key concepts, and to acclimate students to the representations which are common in mechanics, we have devised multiple choice concept questions implemented through powerpoint presentations. Concept questions involve little or no calculation and focus on understanding of concepts. Moreover, insight into the concept questions can be obtained through manipulation of the objects and peer-to-peer discussions.