Developing Open Educational Resources in Engineering Thermodynamics: From Open Textbook to Programmable Problem Bank

The teaching and learning of thermodynamics present significant challenges due to the complexity of the concepts, the mathematical rigor required, and the high cost of traditional textbooks. This paper discusses two innovative Open Educational Resources (OER) projects aimed at enhancing the teaching and learning of engineering thermodynamics at the undergraduate level. First, the development of an open textbook, Introduction to Engineering Thermodynamics is described. The open textbook incorporates interactive practice problems and Universal Design for Learning principles to ensure accessibility and pedagogical soundness. Since its publication, it has been adopted by multiple universities, supporting hundreds of students annually. The second initiative focuses on a dynamic, interactive problem bank developed using Jupyter Notebook, allowing students to experiment with thermodynamic equations and visualize the results. Both initiatives exemplify the impact of OER on reducing educational costs while enhancing learning outcomes and inclusivity in engineering education.