(345e) A Video-Based Self-Study Outreach Modeling Project for Future Chemical Engineers

US high school students are falling behind their peers in other developed countries such as Finland and Korea in mathematical performance [1-3]. This presents a need for math-related outreach programs that motivate students to learn more math and introduce them to commonly used scientific tools and formulas during high school. In the last five years, we successfully developed MATLAB-based modeling projects for high school students to build ordinary different equation models for bioreactors like microbial fuel cells [1-3]. In addition to MATLAB Simulink [4], R was also introduced to students as it is a free and popular software widely used in statistics and engineering [5]. In order to deliver these training and research modules to a larger audience, we have summarized all the bioreactor models in a printed book [6]and provided online videos for each example in the book.

Centered around two programs, MATLAB Simulink and R, students are encouraged to learn the basics to ODE models through this self-paced book. The book starts with an introduction to ODE models--as well as an introduction to integrals and derivatives for students who may not have yet been exposed to these subjects. It then establishes the basics of MATLAB for solving ODEs and guides students through different ODE modelling scenarios in increasing complexity, from a running car to a microbial fuel cell [7, 8]. After introducing the scenarios and explaining how to solve them from ODE models in MATLAB, the book then introduces R and describes how to solve the introduced ODE scenarios with R. Recorded videos and codes are provided with step-by-step instructions for each example. Additionally, students complete practice exercises at the end of each example to test their knowledge. At the end, students should be able to solve ODE models with multiple equations and numerous parameters for biochemical processes.

Ten high-school students that completed this book were generally able to complete it within 10 to 30 hours, working independently. They were surveyed anonymously on their experiences with the book. While more high-school students are expected to read the book and finish the anonymous survey in the future, the preliminary survey results showed that: 1) the ideas covered by the book were not too challenging for high-school students; 2) the real life-related models (e.g., microbial fuel cells) made the book more attractive; 3) the book was effective in conveying knowledge on biochemical reactors, Simulink, and R; 4) the Simulink and R instructional components were easy to follow and the simulation results were easy to reproduce; 5) most high-school students would recommend the book to their peers; 6) the book encouraged high-school students to pursue a college major in the STEM fields; 7) and high-school students with little to no understanding of bioreactors or how to use MATLAB Simulink or R codes to solve ODE models can achieve high proficiency after going through the content of the book and the videos. Open-ended feedback from the past readers on the research projects in the book will be further collected and shared. The research modules along with the survey results can provide suggestions for enhancing STEM outreach activities in high schools.

Reference

1. Guo, P., K. Yuan, and Z. Huang. Develop Web-based Modules to Educate High-School Students in Studying Microbial Fuel Cell Dynamics. in 2017 ASEE Mid Atlantic Section Spring Conference. 2017. Baltimore, Maryland.
2. Ekaputra, C. and Z. Huang. Educating High School Students in Process Simulation and Control with a Simulink-Based Controller Design for Microbial Fuel Cells. in ASEE-SE 2015. 2015. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
3. Geng, J., et al., Comparison of R and MATLAB Simulink in Educating High School Students with ODE Modeling Skills. Chemical Engineering Education, 2019. 53(2): p. 121-129.
4. Su, J.H., J.J. Chen, and D.S. Wu, Learning feedback controller design of switching converters via MATLAB/SIMULINK. Ieee Transactions on Education, 2002. 45(4): p. 307-315.
5. Ihaka, R. and R. Gentleman, R: a language for data analysis and graphics. Journal of Computational and Graphical Statistics 1996. 5(3): p. 299-314.
6. Huang, Z., Doing Cool Research Projects in Simulating Biochemical Reactors on Computers by a Layperson: MATLAB and R Codes, and Instruction Videos. 2019, Lafayette hill, PA: IVY STEM Outreach Publishing.
7. Ping, Q.Y., et al., Mathematical Model of Dynamic Behavior of Microbial Desalination Cells for Simultaneous Wastewater Treatment and Water Desalination. Environmental Science & Technology, 2014. 48(21): p. 13010-13019.
8. Ping, Q.Y., et al., Integrated experimental investigation and mathematical modeling of brackish water desalination and wastewater treatment in microbial desalination cells. Water Research, 2015. 77: p. 13-23.