The purpose of this investigation is to measure student engagement and skill development as research is introduced into the curriculum.    We plan to evaluate three different models of introducing chemical research into an introductory freshmen chemistry course:  the co-curricular model, the integrated research model, and independent research model.  In the co-curricular approach, students engage in research outside of the classroom in a project designed by faculty.  Participation in this activity is voluntary and does not affect the course grade.  Integrated laboratory experiments are designed by faculty with the purpose of introducing new laboratory skills and authentic research problems as part of the laboratory curriculum. Independent projects � conceived, designed, and conducted by students - are part of the lab curriculum, implemented during the last month of the course.  These projects allow students to apply newly learned laboratory skills to a project of their choice using the scientific method.  The evaluation will be based on data gathered using student and faculty surveys using a Likert scale.

Undergraduate research in an introductory chemistry course

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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