As the only engineering discipline that deals with molecular transformations, chemical engineering is at a relative disadvantage with regard to education because of the difficulty in understanding phenomena that occur at molecular scale. This limitation has an adverse effect on education and efforts to recruit students. Unlike other phenomena such as stress, torque or electrical potential, it is difficult to visualize the effect of hydrogen bonding or polymer cross-linking on material properties. A previous NSF study concluded computer visualization is an important tool in overcoming this inherent barrier in understanding the fundamentals of chemistry. We contend that molecular visualization can assist in understanding important molecular phenomena in chemical engineering as well. We are applying visualization in education to convey differences in properties among various grades of polyethylene and how gelatin works. Polyethylene, synthesized from the polymerization of ethene, is an industry material that has practical uses in toys, plastic bags, and bullet proof vests. Collagen, the major component for constructing cell structures, is also used for glues, gelatin deserts, and cosmetic surgery. These two materials were modeled using MOE (Molecular Operating Environment) to simulate their properties and applications. These simulations demonstrated how chemical engineering is present everywhere in elements like jell-o and bullet-proof and not just limited to boring applications.

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