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Interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning through an Environmental Water Quality Study
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Abstract
An interdisciplinary environmental water quality study was designed and conducted to enhance training and employability of chemical and environmental technician students in associate degree programs. Four project objectives were identified as a means to enhance the educational experience and employability of our students: provide experience on analytical instrumentation for organic compounds (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, GC/MS), require interdisciplinary group interactions and problem solving, provide experience with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) procedures, and require cooperation with state agencies/private organizations. Students worked in groups that included representatives from both programs to develop project objectives and a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) following EPA standards. Input from personnel at Idaho’s Department of Environmental Quality and Bureau of Laboratories and from volunteers in an environmental "watch dog" organization called the Henry's Fork Foundation aided students in the development and implementation of their SAP. Subsequently, groups sampled sections of the Henry's Fork River and analyzed for organic, inorganic, and fecal contaminants. Analysis included EPA method 525.2 for pesticides using GC/MS. Data from all river segments was shared and each group submitted a final report analyzing results. Surveys completed by students and instructors indicate that the project is a successful teaching method allowing introduction of new skills as well as review of important technical and employability skills.
Keywords (Audience):
Second-Year UndergraduateKeywords (Domain):
Environmental ChemistryKeywords (Pedagogy):
Problem Solving / Decision MakingKeywords (Subject):
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This article has been cited by 15 ACS Journal articles (5 most recent appear below).
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Thomas J. WenzelJournal of Chemical Education2007 84 (1), 182Many instructors incorporate group learning exercises into classroom and laboratory activities. Formative assessment can be used in these circumstances to identify dysfunctional groups that may need intervention from the instructor and to help individuals ...
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Gianpiero AdamiJournal of Chemical Education2006 83 (2), 253A project-based lab has been developed for third-year undergraduate chemistry students based on real-world applications. The program consists of several steps: sampling of natural waters chosen by the student, chemical analyses, data treatment, and oral ...
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- Received: August 03, 2009
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