In the early 1900s science magazines were published with a goal of interesting and exciting the public about science and technology. Articles described technology that was possible and perhaps even tested, but never embraced because of practical limitations. Articles were written in an effort to instill creativity in the reader and to stimulate the reader to experiment. These approaches to exploring and analyzing figures and articles from old science magazines form the basis of case studies. These cases can be used as a supplement to the material normally covered in an introductory-level course. The case studies are developed and used so that students can apply material learned in the classroom to sometimes ill-defined problems, allowing them to see that the world is not idealized. The evaluation of the figures and articles not only involves the use of physics, but also requires students to critically analyze the plausibility of the engineering that would be used. The cases give them an opportunity to integrate the material they have been taught in class and compel them to consider the consequences of non-ideal, messy, real-world scenarios. Viewing the articles and figures through the perspective of the historical evolution of science adds interest to the story and helps them realize that science is not static.