Many advanced chemistry concepts are dependent on a solid understanding of the fundamentals of acid-base chemistry: equilibria, organic synthesis, and transition metal complexes to name a few. There is a wealth of research on students’ understanding of acid-base chemistry that suggests that level of understanding is dependent on the type of task. Project-based laboratory experiments have been shown to improve students’ problem solving skills and strategies, metacognition, and teamwork with minimal explicit instruction. We designed a project-based laboratory experiment that engages students in the Scientific Practices through investigating the acid content in several white grape juices. To analyze data from the students’ laboratory reports, we developed a rubric focused on their ability to draft a set of clear, organized procedures and use mathematics to answer a testable question. We will present the results of this analysis and discuss the implications, particularly as they relate to the design of future project-based experiments and research regarding laboratory tasks which maximize students’ ability to comprehend fundamental concepts, such as acid-base chemistry.

Designing and evaluating a project-based, acid-base experiment that incorporates the scientific practices

2019 Spring National Meeting

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