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In engineering education, conceptual understanding of the subject matter is as important as the attainment of practical skills. Therefore, teaching methodology should be designed in such a way that it enhances student conceptual understanding. To enhance conceptual understanding of fluid flow measurement, in this study, we report on the development of a low-cost, small-sized, reproducible, highly visual venturi meter module for active learning. With this module, students can conduct fluid flow experiments in their classroom or lab setting to learn the fundamental principles behind the venturi meter. Quantitative measurements of flow rates and associated parameters with the module reveal its usefulness for demonstrating fluid flow physics, while worksheet-guided studies promote student engagement and conceptual understanding. Results of pretest, posttest, and motivational survey assessments show that the module and associated activities improve conceptual understanding, result in a surge in confidence, and reinforce the desire to participate. Therefore, based on the findings, the modules developed can be used to enhance student understanding in fluid mechanics courses.
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Using Histologic Image Analysis to Understand Biophysical Regulations of Epithelial Cell Morphology
Epithelial mechanics and mechanobiology have become 2 important research fields in life sciences and bioengineering. These fields investigate how physical factors induced by cell adhesion and collective behaviors can directly regulate biologic processes, such as organ development and disease progression. Cell mechanics and mechanobiology thus make exciting biophysics education topics to illustrate how fundamental physics principles play a role in regulating cell biology. However, the field currently lacks hands-on activities that engage students in learning science and outreach programs in these topics. One such area is the development of robust hands-on modules that allow students to observe features of cell shape and mechanics and connect them to fundamental physics principles. Here, we demonstrate a workflow that engages students in studying epithelial cell mechanics by using commercial histology slides of frog skin. We show that by using recently developed artificial intelligence–based image-segmentation tools, students can easily quantify different cell morphologic features in a high-throughput manner. Using our workflow, students can reproduce 2 essential findings in cell mechanics: the common gamma distribution of normalized cell aspect ratio in jammed epithelia and the constant ratio between the nuclear and cellular area. Importantly, because the only required instrument for this active learning module is a readily available light microscope and a computer, our module is relatively low cost, as well as portable. These features make the module scalable for students at various education levels and outreach programs. This highly accessible education module provides a fun and engaging way to introduce students to the world of epithelial tissue mechanics.
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- PAR ID:
- 10503169
- Publisher / Repository:
- Cell Press
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- The Biophysicist
- ISSN:
- 2578-6970
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.35459/tbp.2023.000253
