Bridging knowledge gaps: Merging content and application in an environmental chemistry course

CHED 1458

Daniel B. King, daniel.king@drexel.edu, Department of Chemistry, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
At Drexel University, environmental chemistry is taught to a diverse group of students in a single class. The student population includes both upper level undergraduates and beginning graduate students from a variety of majors. The preparation level of these populations is quite variable, as many of the graduate students have not had a chemistry course in several years. Consequently, a significant amount of time must be spent reviewing fundamental chemical concepts. These general concepts are either incorporated into the lecture material or reviewed in group activities. Each class is built around an environmental application, such as chromium remediation, acid rain and wastewater treatment. The chemistry content is introduced in the context of these applications. The Student Assessment of Learning Gains (SALG) survey was used to help assess the effectiveness of various components, including lectures, group activities, personal response devices and online discussion boards.
 

Environmental Chemistry Education
8:30 AM-12:00 PM, Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Hilton New Orleans Riverside -- Magnolia, Oral

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008