(344c) Purewaterlab: an Interactive Simulator for Promoting Water Conservation and Sustainability in Engineering Education

This paper describes ongoing efforts to develop lessons and technology for a full-scale portal for education and research on water conservation in semiconductor manufacturing. The semiconductor industry use large amounts of water and provide exemplary case studies for advanced water processing technologies. The PureWaterLab (PWL) consists of a website and desktop software to access modules via the Internet for on- or off-line use. The modules include interactive simulations shown to enhance student understanding of complex issues and increase student interest, especially for those who find it difficult to learn from traditional lecture/textbook paradigms. The authors will present overviews of simulation modules completed to date including reverse osmosis (RO) and ultraviolet (UV) treatment processes. Each module includes learning objectives, explanatory text, collaborative learning exercises, projects and assessment tools. The modules are based on detailed mathematical models that can be used to design realistic simulations that allow undergraduates to participate in water systems research in addition to learning about system components.