Integrating authentic research on ionic liquids into the general chemistry laboratory at a small liberal arts college and a public university

CHED 1838

Miles Koppang, mkoppang@usd.edu1, Justin Meyer1, James D. Hoefelmeyer1, Lynn Riley1, Mary T. Berry, mberry@usd.edu1, and Krisma DeWitt, kdewitt@mtmc.edu2. (1) Department of Chemistry, University of South Dakota, 414 East Clark Street, Vermillion, SD 57069, (2) Department of Natural Sciences, Mount Marty College, 1105 West 8th Street, Yankton, SD 57078
During five weeks of Spring 2006, general chemistry students at Mount Marty College and the University of South Dakota conducted research on novel ionic liquids synthesized by faculty and undergraduates at Augustana College. Following an introductory kickoff lecture on ionic liquids, small research groups (4 to 5 students) were formed and prepared background papers. Questions on the physical properties of ionic liquids were defined and groups developed experimental procedures suitable for equipment available in a general chemistry laboratory. Procedures were tested on known materials, and then applied to ionic liquids. Weekly progress reports monitored group activities. Students kept individual lab notebooks and journals. Results were disseminated both orally and in written reports. Pre- and post-surveys were administered gauging changes in attitude and awareness towards research. The effort, under NSF-sponsored Northern Plains Undergraduate Research Center, was one of several projects designed to increase numbers of students engaged in research.
 

Bringing Research to the Undergraduate Course Curriculum
1:00 PM-4:05 PM, Thursday, March 29, 2007 McCormick Place North -- Room N227B, Level 2, Oral

Division of Chemical Education

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