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Designing and Reporting Experiments in Chemistry Classes Using Examples from Materials Science: Illustrations of the Process and Communication of Scientific Research

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Arthur B. Ellis

Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706-1396

Cynthia G. Widstrand

Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706

Karen J. Nordell

Department of Chemistry, Lawrence University, Appleton, WI 54911

J. Chem. Educ., 2001, 78 (8), p 1044

DOI: 10.1021/ed078p1044

Publication Date (Web): August 1, 2001

Abstract

As part of an inorganic chemistry class, students proposed and conducted short, quantitative experiments based on engaging materials science topics such as NiTi memory metal, amorphous metal, ferrofluid, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer. After their experiments were completed, the students prepared a technical report in archival journal format and a short press release for nontechnical audiences. Drafts of these reports were critiqued by an undergraduate Writing Fellow and by a classmate. This exercise gave students an opportunity to develop and carry out a research project and communicate their results to technical and nontechnical audiences. The methodology described in the article could be adapted to a variety of chemistry courses as a means for promoting inquiry-based learning and communication skills.