Chemistry 133 Lab

 

Course Objective:  The student will demonstrate basic laboratory techniques and be able to apply them in a practical chemistry setting.

 

Student Learning Outcomes:  Upon completion of this course, the students are expected to

  • recognize how to determine the significance of a laboratory instrument.
  • demonstrate measuring techniques with glassware and top loading balances.
  • use CBL systems.
  • demonstrate graphing techniques.
  • use both quantitative and qualitative techniques.

 

CHE 133/133L Exemplary Educational Objectives

 

Objective #1:

To understand and apply method and appropriate technology to the study of natural sciences.

Assessment Instrument:

Laboratory reports for the Vinegar Analysis Experiment will be evaluated for evidence of correct use of equipment.  This experiment cannot be completed successfully without this ability.  Student results are compared to a rubric constructed by the instructor.

Assessment Criteria:

At least 50% of the students will demonstrate by earning a 70% or higher grade on portions of the report specifically pertaining to equipment use.

 

 

Objective #2:

To recognize scientific and quantitative methods and the differences between these approaches and other methods of inquiry and to communicate findings, analyses, and interpretation both orally and in writing.

Assessment Instrument:

Students will conduct the Chromatography of M&Ms Experiment.  This experiment combines a qualitative portion and a quantitative portion. 

Assessment Criteria:

At least 50% of the students will demonstrate by earning a 70% or higher grade on the experiment.  Students are required to explain their results in a discussion/conclusion portion of the report. 

 

 

Objective #3:

To identify and recognize the differences among competing scientific theories.

Assessment Instrument:

None

Assessment Criteria:

Our courses present the prevailing scientific theories in chemistry.  There are past theories that over time have been revised because of better instrumentation or knowledge, but there are no “real” competing theories in chemistry at this level of instruction.  Some examples of revised theories are Bohr’s Theory, Kinetic Molecular Theory, Acid/Base Theory, and Dalton’s Atomic Theory.  We typically cover the original theory and how it compares to today’s version.  We explain what scientists thought many years ago and what present scientists think today.  While we assess student’s knowledge of chemical scientific theories, we do not assess their knowledge about the competition of theories because material is not presented in that fashion. 

 

 

Objective #4:

To demonstrate knowledge of the major issues and problems facing modern science, including issues that touch upon ethics, values, and public policies.

Assessment Instrument:

Students will conduct the Vinegar Analysis Experiment.  They are required to produce a solution of specific concentration and perform quality control experiments on their solutions as well as standards. 

Assessment Criteria:

At least 50% of the students will demonstrate by earning a 70% or higher grade on the experiment. 

 

 

Objective #5:

To demonstrate knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology and their influence on, and contribution to, modern culture.

Assessment Instrument:

Students will conduct the Gas Laws Experiment.  This experiment requires students to set up and use data collection equipment (Calculator Based Laboratories), graph data, and answer questions based on the analyses.

Assessment Criteria:

At least 50% of the students will demonstrate by earning a 70% or higher grade on the experiment.