Puzzles and Myth Busters instead of Powerpoint on the first day of Suzanne LePage’s Transportation Engineering course

To get students actively learning on the first day of my Traffic Engineering Course (CE 3050), I will not use my PowerPoint presentation that lists the various transportation modes, systems, and organizations involved in transportation engineering.  Instead, I will break them into groups of four and ask them to complete a crossword puzzle composed of key terms and acronyms.  They will receive homework credit for finishing in the allotted time.  We will then watch the Myth Busters test the difference between a four-way stop intersection and a roundabout.  After the video, I will ask students to review the syllabus and identify topics that were covered in the video (data collection, intersection design, etc.).  I will conclude class by explaining the format of the course and what they can expect for activities, assignments, and assessments throughout the term.