Many studies in chemistry courses have investigated the impact of curricula and pedagogical interventions on student perceptions and attitudes toward chemistry. Often, assessments in this area have assumed the study outcomes to directly stem from the interventions. Consequently, very few follow-up studies have been conducted to identify possible factors that lead to observed perceptions and attitudinal changes besides the unsupported assumptions of the interventions. In this study, we examined the factors associated with STEM majors’ perceptions and attitudinal change toward chemistry, learning environment, and lab organization after exposure to the traditional laboratory experiments and again after authentic research-based nanochemistry modules, which were blended into a Quantitative Analysis Chemistry laboratory course. A mixed methods, follow-up explanations model was employed, with emphasis on a within-experimental group design; thus, qualitative results were used to explain the quantitative results. Data were collected using validated surveys and follow-up semi-structured interviews. Qualitative findings revealed that improved student perceptions and attitudes on the measured variables were due to the first-hand experiences with nanotechnology concepts and applications to society. In contrast, student experiences from the traditional laboratory experiments and external factors mainly contributed to the observed negative perceptions and attitudes. Current results revealed that nanotechnology applications are a conduit for enhancing student research skills and experiences in chemistry, and can make abstract chemistry principles more feasible. Detailed findings and implications for practice will be presented.

Integrating nanotechnology research into the undergraduate chemistry laboratory curriculum improves STEM majors’ views, attitudes, and perceptions of chemistry

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.