Currently, the unemployment rate for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is 40%. Of the 30% of people with autism who have obtained degrees in STEM fields, 85% are unemployed. In order to bridge the gap, this study aims to provide those with ASD and other developmental disabilities access to specialized laboratory equipment that are both safe and precise for optimal use. Students in an analytical chemistry course at Morehouse College delve into a semester-long project where active learning meets the world of “making” and the engineering design process. Students design and print Quantitative Chemical Containers, QCCs, with fixed quantities. After printing, students derive the uncertainty of their containers. Performing their own quality assurance for the QCC they printed includes determining the effect of varying pHs and temperatures from solutions. Tests for robustness are also performed including applying stresses on the container to determine whether its able to maintain its structural integrity. A technical specifications document and process document are presented at the end. This active learning activity where students are tasked with being consultants hired by a company desiring to hire those with ASD gives the student a chance to become process development and quality control specialists working on a real-world relevant issue. Students have been enthusiastic about this project over the last 3 years of implementation and add relevance to many of the topics that are frequently glossed over in analytical chemistry.

3D printing of quantitative chemical containers (QCCs): An active learning activity for analytical chemistry

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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