This course contains the modeling thermodynamics unit created by Matt Greenwolfe. This unit on thermodynamics makes use of the VPython programming language, which enables students themselves to build a computational model of an ideal gas by applying basic principles of mechanics to elastic spheres confined to a finite volume. As students construct their program, they simultaneously construct a mental model of an ideal gas based on particle mechanics, they use that model to predict the results of the computational experiment, and they deepen their understanding of the model during the post-lab discussion, resulting in the ability to perceive the ideal gas equation as constructed of separate proportionalities, which they can explain in simple terms based on what the balls are doing. Actually writing the program themselves slows down the development of the model and focuses student attention on the details of each element, which in most cases are only dimly comprehended after a theoretical-mathematical approach and/or the use of more passive simulations. Students discover the meaning of Boltzman's constant and construct the thermal energy equation by comparing the results of laboratory and computational experiments, then apply the model to explain thermodynamic processes and heat engines. Energy flow diagrams and bar graphs are employed throughout.

• Teacher: Matt Greenwolfe