An introductory general chemistry laboratory course was developed to provide an authentic research experience in environmental chemistry. Freshman and sophomore students, a majority of whom were female, practiced general chemistry concepts through laboratory experiments in the context of snow chemistry, while participating in the course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE). Students were guided through a complete research cycle, including data collection and processing, interpretation of results in the context of scientific literature, and both written and oral presentation of results. Through the course, research methods, critical thinking (data interpretation), scientific literature, and presentation and writing skills were emphasized, while teaching the students fundamental general chemistry concepts. A key component of the course was an individual laboratory experiment in which snow samples from the Arctic were analyzed for pH and inorganic ion content, through which students explored original research questions currently being pursued by the laboratory of Prof. Kerri Pratt. Assessment of the course via pre- and post-term surveys indicated that the students experienced greater gains in confidence of research skills and general attitudes towards chemistry as compared to the traditional general chemistry laboratory course. This course represents a demonstration of successful integration of current environmental chemistry research into an entry-level chemistry course, and this approach has significant potential to increase student engagement in the sciences.<br/><br/>

Semester-long course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in snow chemistry in the general chemistry laboratory

255th National Meeting (2018)

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