The Open Polymer Active Learning Laboratory is based on Georgia Tech's several Design Collaboratives. These student-led spaces put learners at all levels in direct contact with equipment while teaching leadership and activating the curriculum. They are successful at boosting recruitment, student interest and confidence, but by design they are restricted in terms of the sophistication and durability of instrumentation they can supply. For example, polymer students do not get hands-on experience with gel permeation chromatography/multiangle light scattering. When such training is provided in the context of a conventional laboratory, we are usually forced to use demonstrations. In a typical 3-hour lab module, all students cannot get a feel for the experiment, let alone encounter and overcome failures and frustrations. OPALL is designed around the idea that an open lab, led by Learning Assistants, can expand the times when students can gain direct access to sophisticated equipment. It is designed primarily for juniors, seniors and beginning graduate students. By stretching our open hours, we hope to get every student hands-on experience in key polymer characterization techniques. Initially, the OPALL learning assistant does not have to understand the theory behind a given experiment. Rather, Learning Assistants can be underclassmen and even high school students who, though they lack theoretical knowledge, understand how to keep both the students and the equipment safe. In the process, Learning Assistants preview the life of near-peers just a few years ahead of them, prepare Standard Operating Procedures to boost their knowledge of technical writing, and gain confidence in spoken communication.

OPALL: The Open Polymer Active Learning Laboratory at Georgia Tech

2019 Spring National Meeting

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