An interdisciplinary Field-Based Environmental Chemistry course, funded by the National Science Foundation Improving Undergraduate STEM Education grant program, was developed and implemented during the 2016/17 academic year.  The 2-semester course was centered on the monitoring of soil and water chemistry during the development of Confluence Park, located at the junction of San Pedro Creek and the San Antonio River just south of downtown San Antonio. The course included student development of sampling and laboratory analysis plans, implementation of those plans, and reporting to the San Antonio River Foundation and San Antonio River Authority in both written and oral forms. Soil was analyzed using flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy for major and minor cations.  Water was analyzed for major cations using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and major anions using ion chromatography.  Students were required to include quality control parameters in their analysis, including validation of the calibration curve, appropriate blanks, laboratory control samples, and matrix spike samples.  Assessment of the course focused on the impact of the curriculum on student learning outcomes and attitudes.<br/>

Assessment of a field-based environmental chemistry course for chemistry and environmental science majors

254th National Meeting (2017)

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