This paper presents examples of different alternative assessments proposed and implemented for a Civil Engineering Material course during pre- and post- COVID-19 pandemic periods, within the three consecutive semesters of May and September 2019 and May 2020.  The fundamental background of the Civil Engineering Material course is mostly inclined towards concrete mix designs under numerous testing procedures which are required to be carried out in the laboratory.  This course is first designed to be theoretical in nature, while the laboratory is to be taken when in the next semester.  Thus, the practical component is not coupled to the theories when the course is first introduced to students. The intention of this paper is to ensure students are fundamentally and technically competent prior to carrying out the laboratory works.  Thus, different ways of teaching and learning (T&L) were proposed to suit the current state of the three semesters.  Even though September 2019 semester was free from the pandemic, an ‘ExploCreteRace’ was introduced, similar to that of the commercialized series ‘The Explorace’.  The intention was to provide a one-day laboratory experience to students in a fun and collaborative project-based approach.  As for the May 2020 semester, the work-from-home (WFH) has been the means of T&L for higher institutions.  Thus, the T&L approach would have to be made differently, mostly utilizing not only the online resources, but anything available from home. Thus, this paper exhibits the difference experiences shared for the three semesters.   Comparisons were made by means of the content of assessments, grades obtained and perceptions of students.