CHED 129 |
| This CCLI funded project aims to narrow the gap between textbook chemistry concepts and the chemistry that students encounter in the real world. To narrow this concept-to-reality gap, students participate in field experiences and service-learning projects, and perform pertinent instrumental analyses. These three components add dimensions of interest, skill, and analytical thought that enhance teaching and learning. Sustainability themes guide the choice of experiments. "Water" is the theme for the first semester General Chemistry laboratory sequence. These laboratories include several canoeing field trips to rivers and lakes to provide a conceptual basis for the analytical determinations done on site and in the laboratory. The theme for the second semester is "Energy" and it is structured around producing and analyzing several sources of energy including hydrogen, ethanol, methanol and biodiesel. A trip to a methane/electricity generating “CowPower” dairy farm is included. Student assessment of the laboratory program is overwhelmingly positive. The author gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the NSF (DUE 0126421) for support of this project. |
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NSF Catalyzed Innovations in the Undergraduate Curriculum
8:30 AM-12:00 PM, Monday, August 20, 2007 Seaport -- Flagship Room, Oral
Division of Chemical Education |