Work in progress - concept inventories for the thermal stem of mechanical engineering

Abstract

Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer comprise the thermal stem, which, along with the mechanical systems stem, is required for the BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. Traditionally, each of these subjects is covered in a separate course. A set of concept inventories that cover the fundamental concepts in the thermal science subject areas have been developed. The inventories have been given in courses at the University of Wisconsin and other universities over the last three semesters. An analysis of the results from the inventories and the development of a second version of one of the inventories are reported in this work in progress