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

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18260/2-1-370.660-138089

Keywords:

PBL – project based learning, Computational Tools, Thermodynamics, Teamwork

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.

Author Biographies

Erick H. Ramos-Rivas, Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas, El Salvador

Erick H. Ramos is a professor at the Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas (UCA), El Salvador. He received his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from the UCA and his MS and Ph.D. in chemistry and chemical engineering from the Institut Químic de Sarrià, Spain. His research interests are related to fixed-bed separation processes and the use of biomass to obtain products with high added value. His educational interests include project-based learning in chemical engineering.  

Corresponding author: eramos@uca.edu.sv

Erick S. Vasquez-Guardado, University of Dayton, United States

Erick S. Vásquez-Guardado is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Dayton. His educational research interests are community-based learning, open-ended laboratory experiments, teamwork, collaborative and active learning, and Transport Phenomena computational modeling. Erick was born in El Salvador and there received his BEng in Chemical Engineering at UCA. He obtained his MS from Clemson University and his PhD from Mississippi State University, both in Chemical Engineering.

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Published

2025-08-01

Issue

Vol. 59 No. 4 (2025): Fall 2025

Section

Manuscripts