On the implementation of the CASPiE program in the Department of Chemistry at Ball State University

CHED 1756

Robert J. Morris, rmorris@bsu.edu1, Paul S. Coan1, Robert E. Sammelson, resammelson@bsu.edu1, Jason Dunham1, Steven Chung1, Marcy Towns2, and Dustan Smith1. (1) Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, 2000 University Ave, Muncie, IN 47306, (2) Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2084
The participation in chemical research provides obvious advantages to the undergraduate student, particularly for students in their freshman or sophomore year of college. Building authentic research opportunities into the student's curriculum is the main focus of the Center for Authentic Science Practice in Education (CASPiE). After piloting modules, we implemented research modules in the general chemistry sequence at Ball State University in the spring of 2006. Modules are being implemented in spring 2007 in the general chemistry and organic chemistry sequences. I will present the structure and operation of our program, along with descriptions of the successes we encountered. The application of the PLTL (Peer Led Team Learning) model in a research setting was quite successful and provided opportunities for students to interact in non-threatening and non-competitive environments. The recruitment and training of the peer leaders, the recruitment and guidance of participants, and program assessment data will also be discussed.
 

Bringing Authentic Research into the Undergraduate Laboratory
1:30 PM-5:15 PM, Wednesday, March 28, 2007 McCormick Place North -- Room N231, Level 2, Oral

Division of Chemical Education

The 233rd ACS National Meeting, Chicago, IL, March 25-29, 2007