In this project-based learning experience, students are asked to design and optimize an artificial tree trunk to support an “epic” treehouse for a fictitious, eccentric but innovative, Aunt Ada. It was implemented in a Strength of Materials course at Lehigh University to a class of 52 students in their second, third, or fourth year. This module may be suitable for use in a Strength of Materials class or any finite element analysis class. The project has both individual and team based assignments completed outside of class. When implemented, it took a total of two 50-minute class periods dedicated to assignment explanations and team discussions spread over the course of five weeks.

The module has a total of five parts including defining parameters, writing pseudo code for a finite element analysis, creating a design proposal, and completing a 1D finite element code and analysis. It is suggested to modify this project in the future to be condensed into three parts. This project provides a platform for exploration of some of the course learning objectives in an experiential format; furthermore, a number of in-class active-collaborative exercises support the project and further enhance the course content.