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Laboratory Sequence in Computational Methods for Introductory Chemistry

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Jason A. Cody and Dawn C. Wiser

Department of Chemistry, Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL 60045

J. Chem. Educ., 2003, 80 (7), p 793

DOI: 10.1021/ed080p793

Publication Date (Web): July 1, 2003

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

A four-exercise laboratory sequence for introductory chemistry integrating hands-on, student-centered experience with computer modeling has been designed and implemented. The progression builds from exploration of molecular shapes to intermolecular forces and the impact of those forces on chemical separations made with gas chromatography and distillation. The sequence ends with an exploration of molecular orbitals. The students use the computers as a tool; they build the molecules, submit the calculations, and interpret the results. Because of the construction of the sequence and its placement spanning the semester break, good laboratory notebook practices are reinforced and the continuity of course content and methods between semesters is emphasized. The inclusion of these techniques in the first year of chemistry has had a positive impact on student perceptions and student learning.

Keywords (Audience):

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords (Domain):

Curriculum

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Computer-Based Learning

Keywords (Subject):

Chromatography

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This article has been cited by 2 ACS Journal articles (2 most recent appear below).

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Implementation of Gas Chromatography and Microscale Distillation into the General Chemistry Laboratory Curriculum as Vehicles for Examining Intermolecular Forces
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- Implementation of Gas Chromatography and Microscale Distillation into the General Chemistry Laboratory Curriculum as Vehicles for Examining Intermolecular Forces
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  As part of an NSF-funded Course Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) project that seeks, in part, to increase student exposure to scientific instrumentation, a gas chromatography experiment has been integrated into the second-semester general ...
  Abstract | Full Text HTML | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links