LEARNING DESIGN OF EXPERIMENTS WITH CATAPULTS

Experiential Learning Activities (ELA) allow a natural teaching-learning process, in special in some difficult statistics terms. This paper focuses on the description of an ELA using catapults applied to Design of Experiments (DOE). In addition, results of the activities are shown and discussed, based on a simulation of the activity.

The learning objectives are split into two main areas: DOE and Response Surface Management (RSM), although many additional concepts can be learned during the activity. In both cases, the catapult offers a multilevel and multifactor device to work with.

The learning process is led in an inductive way. At first, simple concepts are demonstrated and analysed. In a second step, harder requirements are set, in order to improve knowledge and skills on the subject. The instructor will lead the students from DOE to RSM and finally all concepts and procedures will be summarised.

This activity is a relaxed and fun activity, that with the help of the instructor, may capture the interest of the students while at the same time the learning objectives are being acquired. Preliminary results and additional details to increase student’s interest are also discussed.