Authentic Performance in the Instrumental Analysis Laboratory: Building a Visible Spectrophotometer Prototype

In this work we describe an authentic performance project for Instrumental Analysis in which students designed, built, and tested spectrophotometers made from simple components. The project addressed basic course content such as instrument design principles, UV–vis spectroscopy, and spectroscopic in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of chemical education 2017-01, Vol.94 (1), p.44-51
Main Authors: Wilson, Mark V, Wilson, Erin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Breaking down
Chemistry
College Science
College Students
Cooperative Learning
Creativity
Decision making
Hands on Science
Knowledge
Learner Engagement
Learning
Learning outcomes
Pretests Posttests
Prototypes
Science education
Science Instruction
Science Laboratories
Spectrophotometers
Spectroscopy
Students
Teamwork
Ultraviolet radiation
Ultraviolet spectroscopy
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Summary:In this work we describe an authentic performance project for Instrumental Analysis in which students designed, built, and tested spectrophotometers made from simple components. The project addressed basic course content such as instrument design principles, UV–vis spectroscopy, and spectroscopic instrument components as well as skills such as evidence-based decision-making, seeking and applying knowledge, teamwork, and breaking down complex problems. Over the course of the seven-week project, students produced unique, functional spectrophotometers with creative designs. Students reported a high level of engagement and learning during the project. Student performance on a UV–vis spectroscopy assessment instrument improved significantly (28%) from a pretest to a post-test, with the greatest gains occurring in items aligned to the project learning outcomes.
ISSN:0021-9584
1938-1328
DOI:10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00515