The computer as an aid to teaching experimentation: an example in the thermal sciences

The authors describe the development of a self-contained computer environment to assist in the teaching and learning process involved in the art and science of experimentation. Six main components comprise this environment: an intuitive interface to data acquisition units, computer-based control of the experiment, an information base for the underlying theory describing the phenomena being investigated, experimental procedures for the experiment, experimental hardware descriptions, and tools to facilitate report writing and construction. All six components are equally important and should be provided to form a coherent teaching and learning environment. A heat exchanger experiment was constructed to provide the specific test stand to illustrate the use of the environment. It is noted, however, that this environment could be used in almost any experimental situation. Two different educational experiences with the experimental environment are described. In both experiences, the students were provided with an excellent illustration of how a computer can be used for control of the experiment, data collection, data reduction, and analysis of the data to illustrate the underlying phenomena being investigated