Key Terms
Core premise
Students make aesthetic visualizations (photos or videos) that illustrate the physics of gases and liquids; then write r
Skills taught
Optics, photography, flow visualization techniques, technical communication, and critique.
Open pedagogy
Practices where students produce innovative, valuable artifacts that extend beyond their own learning; typically involve
Source
Clinton-Lisell (2021).
Contrast
Typical Engineering vs. Flow Vis
Typical engineering courses
Students follow specific lab procedures or work on proprietary client-driven problems.
Flow Vis
Students choose their own study topics and methods; inspired by previous student work; build apparatus from everyday env
Individual assignments
"Get Wet" and two "Clouds" assignments (photographing atmospheric clouds throughout the semester).
Team assignments
Three projects where students assist each other in creating visualizations; each student still produces a unique visuali
Task
Capture images or videos of fluids (air, water, gas, or liquid) that effectively demonstrate observed phenomena while be
Students may use any imaging technique
Analog or digital, still or video, black and white or color.
Traditional model
Students form teams, produce a single deliverable, and individual contribution is hard to assess.
Flow Vis model
Students are placed in teams for mutual support but each produces unique work. Teams assist with setup complexity and po
Contract grading
Students are expected to complete assignments at a level appropriate to their backgrounds; course grade is based on comp
Four categories assessed
1. Photographic technique.