The current pandemic crisis disallowed carrying out chemistry experiments in the laboratory. A reduction-oxidation lab experiment in General chemistry was chosen as a challenging case of collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data in a virtual environment. The goal was to preserve the same level of data analysis and critical thinking skills, as reflected in the students’ lab write-up reports, involving a pre-lab, in-lab and post-lab section.<br/>A pre-lab-lecture video helped in elucidating the background of the lab’s theoretical principles and experimental technique. The In-lab observations and data collection part presented the biggest challenge which was addressed by the use of a custom-made pre-recorded video of the experiment performed by the instructor. This allowed for the observation of qualitative data as well as providing, through an accompanied spreadsheet with correlated time-markers. a set of quantitative data, unique for each student. A post-lab lecture video served in guiding about the data analysis involving sample calculations and presentation of results.<br/>The quality of the most important components of the lab report, as reflected in the discussion and conclusion, remained high, thus allowing for critical assessment of the virtual data and observations.

On-line transitioning of a general chemistry red-ox lab through the use of customized data and videos

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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