First time teaching Fluid Mechanics (for Civ Eng)

Hi! I’m a physics professor who’s been asked to teach Fluid Mechanics for civil engineering students next year. I’m designing the course now and would love input from people who’ve taken (or taught) a strong fluids class.

My goal is to:
• Prepare students to feel confident with FE-style fluids problems
• Emphasize civil applications (pipe flow, open channel flow, pumps, head loss)
• Make the class interactive with demos and in-class problem solving

A few questions:

1. What made your fluids course genuinely effective (or ineffective)?
2. Is there a textbook you liked or strongly disliked? (considering Çengel & Cimbala or Mott)
3. How would you ideally divide class time between concept explanation, worked examples, and student problem-solving?

I’m comfortable with the physics, but I want to ensure the course is well aligned with what civil engineers actually need.

Appreciate any advice — especially practical insights.