Abstract

One of the most challenging aspects of engineering education is to engage and motivate the student audience. Studies have found that roughly 40 percent of students planning engineering majors end up switching to other subjects or failing to get any degree. Indeed, American students are turning away from science and math. There are not enough graduates in engineering to meet US workforce demands. Many students enroll in engineering undergraduate programs with the belief that the coursework would include components immediately, and build early in the undergraduate coursework, and when they do not have these hands-on fun and challenging experiences, students select alternative majors. Starting with introductory engineering courses, students should be immediately exposed to hands-on fun and challenging competitive projects. Teaching Arduino in the framework of fun competitions should capture the interest of prospective future engineers and support the engagement and retention of students.