WIP: Adventures in Electromagnetics: A Two-Year Exploration of Engaging, Hands-On Labs to Spark Curiosity and Deepen Understanding

This work in progress innovative practice paper represents the preliminary investigation of a two-year endeavor into the development of an introductory electromagnetics laboratory curriculum aimed at sparking the enthusiasm of undergraduate electrical engineering students. Departing from conventional lecture-based approaches, our endeavor immerses students in a realm of adventure labs and projects, placing active learning at the forefront. Through meticulously crafted prompts, students engage in a self-guided journey of critical thinking, fostering a deeper comprehension of theoretical concepts compared to passive methods. Our innovative approach breaks from tradition in several significant ways by contextualizing students' explorations within a historical framework in addition to recognizing and accommodating the diverse learning styles among our students. Over the past two years, the positive impact of this approach has been unequivocal. Students consistently express heightened enjoyment of the learning process, fueled by the hands-on, discovery-based nature of the labs. Emphasizing self-guided exploration and analysis has nurtured the development of critical thinking skills, empowering students to tackle complex problems with confidence. The incorporation of historical context, diverse communication channels, and a competitive element has resulted in a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of electromagnetics.