Research-based environmental experiments have been developed for analytical chemistry to increase interest and skills of students in chemistry. The 4 credit sophomore analytical chemistry course at CMU is offered in a unique summer lecture followed by laboratory format. All lectures are performed prior to the 2 week residential laboratory experience. Utilizing the resources available at the Biological Station on Beaver Island the students engage in field and lab analysis of water and soil. Classic analytical and instrumental experiments are performed using water testing kits, hand-held XRF analyzers, and a variety of other equipment. The unique 2-week residence on a 58-square-mile island in Lake Michigan has some exceptional group learning activity opportunities. The development and implementation of the lab and plans for the future are presented. The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the NSF DUE 0942131 for support of this project.

Analytical chemistry taking the course out into the environment for active group learning

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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