Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory Research Articles

Experiences with an Inquiry-Based Ionic Liquid Module in an Undergraduate Physical Chemistry Laboratory

Experiences with an Inquiry-Based Ionic Liquid Module in an Undergraduate Physical Chemistry Laboratory

Chromatographic Separation: A Versatile Strategy to Prepare Discrete and Well-Defined Polymer Libraries.

ConspectusThe preparation of discrete and well-defined polymers is an emerging strategy for emulating the remarkable precision achieved by macromolecular synthesis in nature. Although modern controlled polymerization techniques have unlocked access to a cornucopia of materials spanning a broad range of monomers, molecular weights, and architectures, the word "controlled" is not to be confused with "perfect". Indeed, even the highest-fidelity polymerization techniques─yielding molar mass dispersities in the vicinity of Đ = 1.05─unavoidably create a considerable degree of structural and/or compositional dispersity due to the statistical nature of chain growth. Such dispersity impacts many of the properties that researchers seek to control in the design of soft materials.The development of strategies to minimize or entirely eliminate dispersity and access molecularly precise polymers therefore remains a key contemporary challenge. While significant advances have been made in the realm of iterative synthetic methods that construct oligomers with an exact molecular weight, head-to-tail connectivity, and even stereochemistry via small-molecule organic chemistry, as the word "iterative" suggests, these techniques involve manually propagating monomers one reaction at a time, often with intervening protection and deprotection steps. As a result, these strategies are time-consuming, difficult to scale, and remain limited to lower molecular weights. The focus of this Account is on an alternative strategy that is more accessible to the general scientific community because of its simplicity, versatility, and affordability: chromatography. Researchers unfamiliar with the intricacies of synthesis may recall being exposed to chromatography in an undergraduate chemistry lab. This operationally simple, yet remarkably powerful, technique is most commonly encountered in the purification of small molecules through their selective (differential) adsorption to a column packed with a low-cost stationary phase, usually silica. Because the requisite equipment is readily available and the actual separation takes little time (on the order of 1 h), chromatography is used extensively in small-molecule chemistry throughout industry and academia alike. It is, therefore, perhaps surprising that similar types of chromatography are not more widely leveraged in the field of polymer science as well.Here, we discuss recent advances in using chromatography to control the structure and properties of polymeric materials. Emphasis is placed on the utility of an adsorption-based mechanism that separates polymers based on polarity and composition at tractable (gram) scales for materials science, in contrast to size exclusion, which is extremely common but typically analyzes very small quantities of a sample (∼1 mg) and is limited to separating by molar mass. Key concepts that are highlighted include (1) the separation of low-molecular-weight homopolymers into discrete oligomers (Đ = 1.0) with precise chain lengths and (2) the efficient fractionation of block copolymers into high-quality and widely varied libraries for accelerating materials discovery. In summary, the authors hope to convey the exciting possibilities in polymer science afforded by chromatography as a scalable, versatile, and even automated technique that unlocks new avenues of exploration into well-defined materials for a diverse assortment of researchers with different training and expertise.

Spectroscopic Monitoring and Modeling Drug Dissolution for Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum.

The pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry has become the largest industrial sector for the employment of chemists, indicating a need for experiments with a pharmaceutical sciences context in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. In the pharmaceutical industry, testing drug dissolution is a key analytical task for solid oral dosage forms that is performed in different phases of drug development to test the release behavior of new formulations, ensure consistency between manufacturing lots, and help predict the in vivo absorption of the drug substance after administration. However, there are a limited number of laboratory experiments in dissolution testing developed for the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. To help students obtain hands-on experience in dissolution testing, a protocol has been developed for an undergraduate chemistry laboratory course for students to build a dissolution apparatus, monitor dissolution processes, model the dissolution to extract kinetic parameters, and evaluate the consistency between dissolution curves with FDA regulated methods. Students successfully collected dissolution curves and completed the modeling analysis with nonlinear least-squares fitting. The designed dissolution protocol has been evaluated to have consistency and reproducibility to be implemented in the undergraduate chemistry laboratory curriculum.

Argumentative Writing Workshop for Conceptual Learning and Weekly Writing for Knowledge Application in Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratories

Argumentative Writing Workshop for Conceptual Learning and Weekly Writing for Knowledge Application in Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratories

Analysis of Large Data Sets in a Physical Chemistry Laboratory NMR Experiment Using Python.

We describe an update to an experiment demonstrating low-field NMR spectroscopy in the undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory. A Python-based data processing and analysis protocol is developed for this experiment. The Python language is used in fillable worksheets in the notebook software JupyterLab, providing an interactive means for students to work with the measured data step by step. The protocol teaches methods for the analysis of large data sets in science or engineering, a topic that is absent from traditional chemistry curricula. Python is among the most widely used modern tools for data analysis. In addition, its open-source nature reduces the barriers for adoption in an educational laboratory.

Examining the link between oral and written reasoning within a generative learning environment: the impact of the Science Writing Heuristic approach

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the relationship between written and oral reasoning in an undergraduate chemistry laboratory course as part of an argument-based inquiry approach, which is also a generative learning environment, known as the Science Writing Heuristic (SWH). The study employed the data-transformation variant of convergent design of mixed-method research. Data sources included 180 laboratory reports from nine Pre-service Science Teachers (PSTs) and 20 video recordings across two semesters. Using Walton’s argument schemes, PSTs’ development, utilisation and correlation of written and oral reasoning and an argument cycle of premise-justification-conclusion were examined. A Friedman test and a Spearman-Brown correlation were conducted for statistical analysis. The results revealed that there is a positive correlation between written and oral reasoning. While the quality of PSTs’ written reasoning significantly increased from the first time phase to the following time phases, this pattern was not observed in oral reasoning. An argument cycle of premise-justification-conclusion occurred in each phase of oral arguments. However, this cycle did not occur in every facet of the SWH process across all time phases in written arguments. The study suggests that pre-service science teachers should be provided with learning environments that will allow them to make external evaluations and engage in talking, reading and writing activities for learning purposes.

A Novel and Simple Experimental Procedure for Synthesizing, Purifying, and Identifying Coumarin in Undergraduate Heterocyclic Chemistry Laboratories

A Novel and Simple Experimental Procedure for Synthesizing, Purifying, and Identifying Coumarin in Undergraduate Heterocyclic Chemistry Laboratories

Exploring Triboluminescence and Paramagnetism: A Rapid Mn Complex Synthesis for High School and Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratories

Exploring Triboluminescence and Paramagnetism: A Rapid Mn Complex Synthesis for High School and Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratories

Active Learning in the Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory: Synthesis of Biodiesel from an Amazon Region Oil (Babassu): Keep It Simple!

Active Learning in the Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory: Synthesis of Biodiesel from an Amazon Region Oil (Babassu): Keep It Simple!

Feasibility of Using a Multicompartment Electrochemical Cell for Determination of Solubility Product Constants of Silver Salts from Potentiometric Measurements: A Directed Study in the Undergraduate Physical Chemistry Laboratory

Feasibility of Using a Multicompartment Electrochemical Cell for Determination of Solubility Product Constants of Silver Salts from Potentiometric Measurements: A Directed Study in the Undergraduate Physical Chemistry Laboratory

Optimal learning moments in an undergraduate chemistry lab

ABSTRACT Background Optimal learning moments (OLMs) are defined as when students feel higher skill, challenge, and interest at the same time. These moments do not occur all the time, but students perform at their best when they occur. Purpose In this study OLMs in a chemistry laboratory course throughout a semester were examined. Students’ expectations and experiences from the chemistry laboratory were also investigated, and their correlation with OLM was examined. Sample The sample of this study consists of 41 students studying Science Education. Design and methods Data were obtained with the Experience Sampling Method. To determine participants’ OLM, a form was used during experiments. Participants’ expectancies were gathered before each experiment, and experiences after each experiment. The data was gathered throughout the semester. At the end of the semester, semi-structured interviews with volunteer students were accomplished. Results According to the study’s findings, students reported OLMs only 2.5% of the time. The most important barrier for students to have OLM was the lower challenge scores. A weak positive correlation was found between experiences in the laboratory and OLM. In terms of the researched experiences ‘to get a good score’, ‘to prepare for the career I want to pursue’, and ‘to make connections between lab and the theory’ were correlated with OLM scores. Conclusion For students to have more OLM the balance between challenge, skills, and interest should be well-designed. More challenging laboratory designs can cause students to have more OLMs, however, the skills of the students should be kept in mind. Mostly cognitive experiences were correlated with OLM. That is when students reported OLM more they also reported that they cognitively experienced more.

Introducing Materials Science: Experimenting with Magnetic Nanomaterials in the Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory.

Materials science research has expanded significantly in recent years; a multidisciplinary field, home to an ever-growing number of chemists. However, our general chemistry degree courses have not changed to reflect the rise in interest in this topic. In this paper, we propose a laboratory experiment for the undergraduate chemistry practical course, which may serve as a hands-on introduction to this field. The experiment involves the synthesis and characterization of magnetic materials via commonly employed techniques in materials science. Students begin by producing three metal ferrite spinels using a sol-gel combustion synthesis. They must then characterize the differing magnetic properties across their three samples using a magnetic susceptibility balance. In the second part of the experiment, students must create a ferrofluid via coprecipitation, from which they may observe the phenomenon of "spiking" in response to an external magnet. Additional data such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images corresponding to these materials are also provided, and students are tasked with the interpretation of these data in their writeup report. Upon completion, students should gain a new-found understanding of materials science and its fundamental overlap with chemistry.

Application of a Cognitive Task Framework to Characterize Opportunities for Student Preparation for Research in the Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory

Application of a Cognitive Task Framework to Characterize Opportunities for Student Preparation for Research in the Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory

Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry as a Powerful Tool for Spatially Resolved Analysis: An Experiment for Undergraduate Analytical Chemistry Laboratory

Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry as a Powerful Tool for Spatially Resolved Analysis: An Experiment for Undergraduate Analytical Chemistry Laboratory

Quantitative Determination of Ethyl Alcohol in Kombucha Using an Inexpensive Sensing Device

Kombucha, a popular probiotic beverage, contains detectable concentrations of ethyl alcohol. To be sold as a nonalcoholic product, alcohol concentrations in kombucha must be shown to be less than 0.5% by volume. This paper describes the use of an inexpensive, commercially available sensor to reliably and accurately measure alcohol concentrations in kombucha across a variety of undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses. Procedures and assessment data are also provided for two courses: an introductory course for nonchemistry majors and upper-division analytical chemistry. In the case of the analytical chemistry course, results from the alcohol sensor were compared to headspace gas chromatography as a capstone assessment. In all cases, the alcohol content of multiple commercial kombucha samples were determined, and students submitted final reports using appropriate scientific writing aligned with precise learning objectives.

Potential ChatGPT Use in Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratories

ChatGPT is a brand new, free AI chatbot that has the potential to produce a seismic shift in chemistry education, especially in written lab reports. An example is explored in which ChatGPT is used to write the discussion portion of a lab report. Ways to detect the use of ChatGPT are also discussed.

Using the Colorimetric Oscillating Reaction for Simple Quantification of Ethanol in Commercial Liquors in an Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory

Undergraduate-level laboratory experiments that integrate multidisciplinary chemistry concepts into a single activity are very appealing and thought-provoking for chemistry students. Here, we use the oscillating chemical reaction to introduce students to the analytical detection concept. The Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction is employed as a simple but efficient system to determine the content of ethanol in liquor samples. This experiment is based on the periodic solution color change from red to blue under the perturbation of ethanol, which can be simply followed by using a smartphone in video mode. Students can establish the calibration curve by plotting the average times required for the change in the solution color oscillating pattern from blue to red to blue, defined as the oscillation period, against ethanol concentrations. Using this strategy, students can quantify the ethanol concentrations in alcoholic samples without the need for sophisticated instruments or skilled operators. Also, this designed experiment allows all students to conduct the activity within a traditional laboratory block of time.

Message from Editor

Dear Readers,
  
 It is the great honor for us to publish 8th Volume, 1st Issue of Contemporary Educational Researches Journal (CERJ). The journal welcomes original empirical investigations and comprehensive literature review articles focusing on educational issues. The journal is an international peer-refereed journal that promotes the researches in the field of contemporary teaching and learning approaches and theories.
  
 A total number of twelve (12) manuscripts were submitted for this issue and each paper has been subjected to double-blind peer review process by the reviewers specialized in the related field. At the end of the review process, a total number of five (5) high quality research papers were selected and accepted for publication.
  
 Aim of this issue is to give the researchers an opportunity to share the results of their academic studies. There are different research topics discussed in the articles. For example, Agathe Merceron, Jean-Michel Adam, Heike Ripphausen-Lipa and Petra Sauer, Daniel Bardou carried out a study on enhancing and integrating employability of students for IT. In addition, Hanan Arnous and Zalpha Ayoubi discussed learning environment in the undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses in Beirut. Murat Tekin, Busra Akbay and Yavuz Selim Din investigated the students’ level of motivation and creativity studying at School of Physical Education and Sports. Kenan Ozberk and Gulsun Atanur Baskan provided a review for the criteria and training for the position of school leadership in the United States of America and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Lastly, Kovalcikiene Kristina and Daukilas Sigitas examined vocational teachers’ personality, career calling and the aspects of teaching quality.
  
 The topics of the next issue will be different. You can make sure that we will be trying to serve you with our journal with a rich knowledge in which different kinds of topics are discussed in 2018 Volume.
  
 I would like to present many thanks to all the contributors who helped to publish this issue.
  
 Best regards,
  
 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deniz Ozcan 
  
 Editor – in Chief

Revisiting faculty members’ goals for the undergraduate chemistry laboratory

Over a decade has passed since faculty members’ goals for the undergraduate chemistry instructional laboratory were first investigated on a large, national scale in the United States. This study revisits these goals, using data from a 2022 national survey of chemistry faculty members in the United States (n = 521) to investigate current objectives, including how those goals vary with course, institutional context, and receipt of funding for improving undergraduate chemistry courses. A modified version of the Faculty Goals for Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory Instrument was used to measure goals, with psychometric evidence providing support for its use across the studied contexts, with the exception of the general chemistry laboratory. Goals were associated with course and receipt of funding but not institution type, both with regard to institutions’ highest chemistry degree awarded and approval from the American Chemical Society to award certified bachelor's chemistry degrees. Results suggest that faculty members may adopt a distinct set of goals not immediately associated with the practice of chemistry in the general chemistry laboratory. Further, goals increasingly focus on providing research experience and cultivating disciplinary knowledge and skills with progression through the chemistry curriculum; this focus increases more abruptly when moving from large-enrollment lower-level courses to small-enrollment upper-level courses. Findings imply a need for increased efforts focused on (1) evaluating goals for the general chemistry laboratory, including whether those goals contribute to overarching curricular objectives, (2) promoting adoption of evidence-based pedagogies in large-enrollment contexts to better align instruction with the practice of chemistry, (3) supporting faculty members in procuring funding to improve courses, and (4) refining professional societies’ evaluation criteria for undergraduate chemistry programs.

Optimization Design and Preliminary Results of Synthesis of [Ni(Me<sub>3</sub>en)(acac)]BPh<sub>4</sub> Complex: The Optimization and Preliminary Implementation of Synthesis Process for the Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry Experiment of the 10th National Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory Tournament

Optimization Design and Preliminary Results of Synthesis of [Ni(Me<sub>3</sub>en)(acac)]BPh<sub>4</sub> Complex: The Optimization and Preliminary Implementation of Synthesis Process for the Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry Experiment of the 10th National Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory Tournament