PERC 2015 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | A Kinesthetic Circulatory System Model for Teaching Fluid Dynamics |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | Students often leave Introductory Physics for Life Science (ILPS) courses without the understanding of real# fluid dynamics, which is necessary for them to be successful in their future biology courses. In an effort to reconcile this issue, researchers at UNE have focused on improving students' understanding of the circulatory system. This requires students to apply multiple fluid dynamics concepts, specifically: conservation of mass, Bernoulli's principle and the Hagen-Poiseuille's law. After interviewing a number of students during the past four years, the researchers developed a kinesthetic circulatory system model made of transparent plastic tubing of different radii and branched connectors. This model enabled students to see the fluid travel at different speeds (visually) and different pressures (using digital pressure sensors) similar to the cardiovascular system. Evaluation of this learning module indicates substantial improvement in student understanding and appreciation of real fluid dynamics concepts. #Including viscosity |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Elizabeth Whitmore University of New England Department of Chemistry and Physics 11 Hills Beach Road Biddeford, ME 04005 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
James Vesenka - University of New England David Grimm - University of New England Bradley Moser - University of New England Rebecca Lindell - Purdue University |
