Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) chemical technician students collect river water samples from five predetermined sites along the Milwaukee River that encompass Milwaukee County's watershed.  MATC students conduct field analysis at these river sites to collect data for phosphorus, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, nitrites, flow rate, temperature, etc.  The river samples are then analyzed at MATC for heavy metals through inductively coupled plasma analysis. Ion chromatography and visible spectroscopy for phosphorus is performed with the intent for students to compare field results with laboratory results.All field and laboratory analysis is performed by the MATC chemical technician students at MATC.  This project is to teach two-year students the methodology of a research project through a hands on approach.  MATC students learn to work and interact via group setting, proper technique of field sampling, collection, analysis, and proper documentation of data.  MATC students learn to analyze the results and prepare their findings for the presentation of these results in a poster format.

Teaching chemistry at a technical college through practical field work: Milwaukee river project

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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