Quantitative Determination of Aluminum in Deodorant Brands: A Guided Inquiry Learning Experience in Quantitative Analysis Laboratory

Abstract

The monitoring of metals in commercial products is essential for protecting public health against the hazards of metal toxicity. This article presents a guided inquiry (GI) experimental lab approach in a quantitative analysis lab class that enabled students’ to determine the levels of aluminum in deodorant brands. The utility of a GI experimental lab introduced in the quantitative analysis lab class as part of an active learning hands-on-experience approach enhances student learning, improves students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills, and motivates underrepresented students to work independently in solving a real-world scenario-type problem. Students were required to develop certain lab skills at the start of the semester and apply these skills toward the end of the semester to investigate the GI project. The GI project that analyzes for aluminum improves the overall student engagement, enthusiasm for the quantitative analysis laboratory course, and even the overall success rate in scientific report writing.