Modern chemical instrumentation in the introductory chemistry laboratory: Examples of multi-week inquiry-based projects that illustrate the power of advanced instrumentation

CHED 1805

Steven M. Drew, sdrew@carleton.edu, Department of Chemistry, Carleton College, One North College Street, Northfield, MN 55057
There is general agreement that providing a research-like setting in the introductory chemistry laboratory leads to deeper student learning and generates more enthusiasm for further study of chemistry. However, the challenges faced when attempting to develop an instrumentation intensive laboratory experience are many. Examples of multi-week introductory laboratory experiences used at Carleton to provide students with a research-like experience will be presented. While the basic chemistry and concepts included in these projects are not new, the application of modern instrumentation is. Examples will be shown where ATR-FTIR, GC-MS, ESI-MS, NMR, magnetic susceptibility, and visible spectrophotometry are used. While students certainly don't learn every detail of how a specific instrument functions, they nonetheless come away with an appreciation of the power of chemical instrumentation and an understanding of the types of measurements that are possible.