appropriate equations and variables to solve problems from written material. Transitivity and reversibility. Students are able to algebraically manipulate equations and to discern relationships between variables knowing that if A is taller than B, and B is taller than C, then A must be taller than C and that if Z = X+Y then Y=Z-X. Conservation. Students can understand that certain characteristics can be conserved even in different forms so that logical relationships can be formulated. The content in classes on material and energy balances rely fundamentally on such conservation principles – although conservation of energy is much more complex for students who use concrete reasoning. Fluid
ofKentucky Extended Campus in Paducah were each assigned problems to be solved as a team.One course consisted of a group of 5 sophomores in a material and energy balances class, and theother three students in a senior level engineering economy course. These sample sizes representthe total enrollment in this program at those levels. Students were given pre- and post-assessment surveys, with selected questions common to both surveys. The post-project surveyincluded free-answer questions to illuminate student perceptions of their experience. Just prior tostudents being released to complete their assignments, they were given a 15-minute lesson onhow to function as a team. Prior team training varied by student as indicated in the results section.Students