The Labs May Be Closed, but Experiments Must Go on: Innovations to Teaching Mechanical Measurements 1 During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This article describes how the Sichuan University - Pittsburgh Institute has embraced new methods and new technologies to ensure high-quality laboratory teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking Mechanical Measurements 1 course as an example, this paper introduces two lab projects that were successfully transferred into online experiments through remote-control platform and virtual simulation software, as well as three lab projects which were transformed into “pocket labs” where cheap and easy-access equipment was mailed to enable students to conduct experiments at home. Meanwhile, video demos, online Q&A sessions, feedback collection were employed to deliver a realistic lab experience to students. © 2020