Sensorial chemistry experiments that rely on senses other than eyesight

CHED 1580

Maria T. Oliver-Hoyo and Deborah C. Bromfield-Lee, dcbromfi@ncsu.edu. Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Box 8204, Raleigh, NC 27695
Sensorial experiments utilize all senses to make chemistry determinations providing an opportunity for the visually impaired student to participate in a laboratory experience in an active and independent manner. We have developed two types of sensorial experiments: olfactory titrations and qualitative analysis of organic compounds. The use of onions, garlic, and vanillin to determine the endpoint of an acid-base reaction is a simple, safe, and creative approach at conducting titrations. The use of characteristic aromas of some functional groups exploits the sense of smell as a discriminating tool in an organic qualitative analysis scheme allowing students to perform chemical tests that rely on the senses of touch, smell and sound to confirm the presence of a functional group. It is evident that these types of experiments add richness to traditional laboratories for all students as these use senses often neglected in chemistry laboratories and provide a unique opportunity to visually impaired students.

 

Teaching Chemistry to the Visually Impaired
8:30 AM-12:15 PM, Tuesday, March 27, 2007 McCormick Place North -- Room N227A, Level 2, Oral

Division of Chemical Education

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