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A Partnership Incorporating Labs into an Existing Chemistry Curriculum: Access Science

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Lida K. Gifford and Heather M. Eckenrode

Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Leslie Cohen Rogers

Mastery Charter High School, Philadelphia, PA 19106

J. Chem. Educ., 2004, 81 (10), p 1505

DOI: 10.1021/ed081p1505

Publication Date (Web): October 1, 2004

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

A partnership between inner-city neighbors—the University of Pennsylvania and West Philadelphia High School (WPHS)—was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to the benefit of all involved parties. Two chemistry graduate students were paired with a second-year high school instructor teaching her first all-chemistry curriculum. They worked together to develop hands-on laboratories and activities that engaged high school students in an inquiry about chemistry and the world around them. The partnership allowed for the implementation of approximately 40 new labs, activities, and demonstrations over a two-year period. Money was available through the NSF grant to buy necessary supplies and equipment for the high school. The high school further benefited by the development of an Advanced Placement (AP) chemistry class, the only AP class presently being taught at WPHS. The two chemistry graduate students got an inside look at the day-to-day functioning of an inner-city high school and learned about curriculum development. As representatives of the University of Pennsylvania, the graduate students had the opportunity to contribute to the community and enrich the learning experience of several hundred students directly, in addition to leaving a legacy that will profit hundreds of students each year.