The University of Maryland, in the USA, is revolutionizing the way mechanical engineering is taught.
Professor Ryan Sochol has found a creative and innovative way to introduce complex robotics and machine design concepts to his students: the game ‘Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom’.
The latest release in ‘The Legend Of Zelda’ franchise, awarded Game of the Year, introduced a new mechanic called Ultrahand, allowing players to manipulate objects and combine them to create innovative devices within the game.
This mechanic intrigued Professor Sochol, leading him to adapt the game for a course entitled “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to Machine Design”, offered to second-year mechanical engineering students.
New way to learn the fundamentals of engineering
The course challenged students to form teams, each receiving a Nintendo Switch with a copy of the game.
Students were tasked with applying the engineering concepts they learned to solve challenges and build a prototype amphibious vehicle, competing in a race at the end of the semester.
Although the emphasis was on employing knowledge in machine design, the ability to build prototypes did not necessarily translate into an advantage in the game.
According to Sochol, the aim of the course was to provide an engaging and challenging experience for students, highlighting the importance of learning through fun and exciting situations.
This led to the course’s increasing popularity, with a waiting list that far exceeded the number of places available.
In addition to students, the game’s intriguing mechanics also attracted the attention of players outside the university.
With almost 180 thousand members, the forum Reddit ‘Hyrule Engineering Club’ is a space where enthusiasts share complex creations, from bomber planes to hoverboards, all developed within the ‘Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom’ universe.
The success of the course led Professor Sochol to offer the subject every semester, consolidating an exciting new way of learning and applying engineering knowledge.
