Monozukuri: Making Things

This course introduces fundamental topics related to Monozukuri covering engineering topics such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, design, and dynamics of machinery. This is a new type of course in which learners not only view video lectures and answer quizzes but also learn while actually engaging in their own hands-on learn-by-doing project.

You will learn about propulsion mechanism related to a small pop-pop (heat powered) steamboat. By introducing monozukuri (the art of manufacturing or preparing tangible objects) which is a philosophy of how to make things with precision that work extremely well. The principle standing behind Japanese high quality manufactured goods will be revealed. Interviews with craftsmen and student organizations that design and make things including the all Japan university competition on human-powered aircraft will be given as an example. This course is recommended course for learners who want to learn engineering principles and about making things in Japan.

This course is a revision of the previous course on the same topic and was revised taking into account learner feedback. It also contains materials on experiental learning, which is the learning process by which one learns via their experiences. Furthermore, building a milk-carton boat out of an aluminum can was added in case wood and copper tubing are not available.

1. Introduction to science and engineering concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, design and dynamics of machinery

2. Japanese Monozukuri Craftsmanship

3. Japanese Monozukuri Philosophy

4. Experiental Learning Principles