Experiment Design

Overview of Lesson

To learn fluid mechanics (or any subject), it is useful to test our knowledge in the real world. For example, to learn to swim, it is useful to test our knowledge by getting into a pool and trying it out. In engineering, this process of testing our knowledge can involve an experiment.

When we do an engineering project, we commonly develop a math model. However, we want the math model to be simple as possible so we often idealize. To test this idealization, we often design and conduct an experiment. Also, there are many situations in fluid mechanics in which math modeling does not provide the accuracy we need. For example, the performance of a pump is often characterized by taking experimental data.

Thus, designing and conducting experiments is beneficial for learning engineering and for the professional practice of engineering.

Benefits of this Lesson

  • Learn the research mindset.
  • Learn the language of experiments: validity, reliability, design, execution, ….
  • Learn how to design an experiment as a process separate from execution of an experiment

Goals (What we will accomplish in this lesson)

Learners can describe the research mindset

Learners can explain how to design and then execute an experiment


Plan (steps to reach the goals)

1. Goal Setting.
Recommend: Write down personal goals for this lesson. Ask yourself, what do I want? What are my motivations for studying engineering? Make your goals specific (i.e. measurable) and challenging. For more information, see "how to write goals."

2. Topic
a. topic
b. topic

3. Lesson Review (Reflective Thinking)
a. Assess your learning using this form. Print1 and staple the form to front of your homework. Resource: (How to write an SII).
b. Assess this lesson using this (form).


Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License