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

• 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
• ISSN: 0021-9584; 1938-1328
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00515

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.