A Project-based Learning Approach Improves the Calculation Skills of the Thermodynamic Properties of a Pure Substance

Author(s)

Erick H. Ramos-Rivas (0000-0003-1893-6600), Universidad Centroamericana "Jose Simeon Canas"
Erick Salvador Vasquez (0000-0002-4811-6155), University of DaytonFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1-2025

Publication Source

Chemical Engineering Education (CEE)

Abstract

Students often struggle in calculating the Real Thermodynamic Properties (RTP) of pure substances, including enthalpy (H), entropy (S), specific volume (V), and internal energy (U). Project-Based Learning (PBL) offers an alternative instructional approach that integrates computational tools with inductive teaching methods. This study evaluates the effectiveness of PBL in a thermodynamics course, demonstrating that over 90% of students perceived an improved understanding of RTP calculations, with 70% achieving higher grades post-PBL implementation.

ISBN/ISSN

ISSN: 2165-6428; eISSN: 0009-2479

Copyright

© Copyright ChE Division of ASEE 2025

Peer Reviewed

yes

Keywords

project based learning, Computational Tools, Thermodynamics, Teamwork

eCommons Citation

Ramos-Rivas, Erick H. and Vasquez, Erick Salvador, "A Project-based Learning Approach Improves the Calculation Skills of the Thermodynamic Properties of a Pure Substance" (2025). Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications. 249.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/cme_fac_pub/249