The COVID-19 pandemic forced many institutions to adjust their hands-on laboratory experiences to remote or virtual ones. While simulations are one form of remote lab delivery, we present a hands-on approach in which students conducted analytical chemistry laboratory experiments at home, using materials provided in a lab kit and obtained from a local grocery store. Each kit contained a kitchen balance, a pH meter, a volumetric flask, a Mohr pipet, several chemicals, as well as other miscellaneous items. With this kit, students were able to titrate fruit juice and conduct statistical analysis on the mass of pennies. They observed chromatography using Kool-Aid and solid phase extraction cartridges. They quantified the amount of dye extracted from a natural material using a smartphone and RGB color analysis. These and other experiments were designed to align with in-person lab sections while creatively adapting to the limitations presented. Overall, this remote lab experience provided students with a robust hands-on experience, allowing them to develop and refine lab skills despite the challenges presented by remote learning.

Lab-in-a-box: A new approach to analytical chemistry lab

ACS Spring 2022

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