1–2–3 Benchtop to Laptop: Teamwork of an Educator and Instructional Designer to Convert a Popular Ksp and Titration Lab to an Online Module

Abstract

The calcium hydroxide solubility product constant (Ksp) lab is a familiar lab experiment outlined in the Advanced Chemistry with Vernier handbook. In an on-campus laboratory setting, students are afforded the opportunity to examine techniques, such as titration of a saturated base solution (Ca(OH)2) with a strong acid (HCl), as well as visualize concepts like solubility, solubility product constant, aqueous solutions, and change in pH (with phenolphthalein indicator), and are introduced to a variety of lab equipment and software (LabQuest or LoggerPro). Presently, an untimely adjustment to distance learning (and online learning environments) has many faculty considering new approaches for student practices in place of on-site chemistry laboratories. This article details the collaborative efforts of an educator for a nonmajors chemistry for health professions lab course and a virtual lab instructional designer to develop an immersive, economical, and simple to use module for the “Determining of Ksp for Ca(OH)2” lab, allowing students to explore all aspects of experimentation without the cumbersome issues of faulty equipment, broken glassware, caustic reagents, other safety concerns, or a high degree of tech acumen (“tech savviness”). This adapted approach complements the online lab module with pre- and postlab assignments and lab report submission offered through a learning management system, for a fully encompassing lab experience that technologically parallels the on-campus approach. With the aid of video conferencing software, the prelab lectures (and monitoring student progress) can continue almost seamlessly, allowing students and faculty to migrate from an on-campus teaching laboratory setting to a virtual learning space.