Class Legacy Gift Campaign Update Memo 3
Posted: 4/26/2018
Academic: Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning and practical design experiences are an essential part of midshipmen education. First, the sheer complexity of today’s naval weapon and engineering systems mandates a multidisciplinary, practical approach to bringing advancements in applied engineering and technology into Naval Academy classrooms. Second, the Navy requires 65% of each Academy graduating class to major in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline, and an emphasis on project-based learning is a critical aspect of attracting these students. Finally, engineering accreditation bodies are increasingly requiring outcomes-based engineering programs that culminate in a final Capstone design experience.
The Academy’s annual federal appropriation does not fund the entire range of Project-Based Learning activities. Gift funds are essential to fund the “margin of excellence” between what the federal appropriation supports and what the Naval Academy requires. Expanding the emphasis on Project-Based Learning among all STEM major programs and at all levels of the undergraduate education (from plebe to first-class year) will promote a deeper understanding and retention of coursework, enhance critical thinking skills and excite, attract and ultimately retain midshipmen in STEM majors.
Gift funds are needed to provide the hardware used for the Capstone projects that are designed, built, tested and sometimes redesigned, rebuilt and retested by midshipmen. Examples of past projects are:
- Sailbot – An autonomous small-scale sailboat capable of self-navigating and self-sailing from the US to the UK.
- Several satellites that were launched during Space Shuttle missions.
- LIDAR based autonomous vehicle (golf cart) braking system.
- Concrete canoe for American Society of Civil Engineers competition.
- Formula SAE Racecar
- Human powered submarine
Thanks for your support!
Jeff Beard
Class of ’72 Fundraising Chair
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