No Sweat?

Authors

  • Margot Vigeant Bucknell University, United States

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18260/2-1-370.660-132575

Abstract

Here’s an in-class exercise that I like to do with first-year students to give them an opportunity to practice their estimation skills in the context of conservation of mass and energy, learning a tiny bit of heat-transfer along the way. And it gives me a chance to re-experience something that gives me a little shiver of wonder each time it happens - that by using reasonable estimates and applying first principles, sometimes you can derive the existence of something you see in the real world. In this case, sweat and Gatorade™ (or your favorite similar sports-drink). It is an entirely amazing thing that the laws of conservation apply not just to systems we build like potato chip factories and jet fuel refineries but also to our own bodies.

Accessibility Summary:

In accordance with Title II regulations this content meets all points of exemption as Archived web content and/or Preexisting conventional electronic documents.

Author Biography

Margot Vigeant, Bucknell University, United States

Margot A. Vigeant is a professor of chemical engineering at Bucknell University. She teaches chemical engineering thermodynamics, applied food science and engineering, and capstone design. Margot’s broad research area is effective pedagogy in engineering, including approaches to conceptual learning and inquiry-based activities for thermodynamics and heat transfer.  She is also interested in “making” in engineering and using technology to broaden engagement and access. Margot completed her doctorate at the University of Virginia. She is an ASEE Fellow, and an Apple Distinguished Educator.

Corresponding author: mvigeant@bucknell.edu

Cover for the Winter 2023 issue

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Published

2022-12-21

Issue

Vol. 57 No. 1 (2023): Winter 2023

Section

Food For Thought