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Instrumental Analysis in the High School Classroom: UV–Vis Spectroscopy

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Walt Erhardt

Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center, Battle Creek, MI 49015

J. Chem. Educ., 2007, 84 (6), p 1024

DOI: 10.1021/ed084p1024

Publication Date (Web): June 1, 2007

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

This article shows how second-year high school chemistry students can use the Ocean Optics Chem2000, a multi-wavelength UV–vis spectrophotometer, to help students think more independently in designing laboratory research. The article explains the process of nurturing the student from following directions for prescribed, concrete lab activities to designing, performing, and presenting their own personally interesting research. The article presents the results of one assigned lab: “Determining Which of the Seven FDandC Food-Approved Dyes are Used in Making Green Skittles”. The article also describes two student-initiated labs in which students apply their newly acquired instrumentation skills to personally interesting questions. The first lab determines the dye constituents in pharmaceutical capsules and the second lab determines the effectiveness of the UV-A, B, and C-range sunlight blockage, with a changing concentration of an SPF 30-rated sunscreen.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Analytical Chemistry

Keywords (Feature):

Second-Year and AP Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords (Subject):

Applications of Chemistry

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

A Global Perspective on the History, Use, and Identification of Synthetic Food Dyes
Vinita Sharma, Harold T. McKone, and Peter G. Markow
Journal of Chemical Education2011 88 (1), 24-28
- A Global Perspective on the History, Use, and Identification of Synthetic Food Dyes
  Vinita Sharma, Harold T. McKone, and Peter G. Markow
  Journal of Chemical Education2011 88 (1), 24-28
  This article presents a brief history of the artificial coloration of foods, a discussion of the worldwide use of synthetic food dyes, and methods for separating and identifying 14 dyes in common use globally. The United States Food and Drug ...
  Abstract | Full Text HTML | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
Investigating UV-Blocking Properties of Sunscreens on the Microscale
Jeremiah K. N. Mbindyo and Amber K. Brown
Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (12), 1388-1388
- Investigating UV-Blocking Properties of Sunscreens on the Microscale
  Jeremiah K. N. Mbindyo and Amber K. Brown
  Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (12), 1388-1388
  A laboratory experiment exploring the effectiveness of various types of sunscreens in blocking UV light, which previously appeared in this Journal, has been adapted to the microscale. The experiment is used in an undergraduate environmental chemistry ...
  Abstract | Full Text HTML | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links