Computing in Science Majors General Chemistry Laboratories Linked with a Laboratory Interfacing Course

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This project incorporates experiments that illustrate chemical principles with a new strategy and a new format for conducting the experiments. The strategy involves switching from "traditional" experiments, in which students follow detailed directions, to an inquiry philosophy, in which students are given more freedom in conducting experiments and analyzing data. The new format requires computers at each laboratory station for data collection, manipulation, analysis, and display and incorporates computerized experiments. This merger of current computer technology and the inquiry approach frees the student from tedious data collection and engages students in the observations, analysis, and interpretation of data. The changes in the general chemistry laboratory are linked to changes in an advanced laboratory interfacing course that emphasizes the construction and testing of simple circuits and sensors used for data acquisition in the general chemistry laboratory. Additionally, the advanced students develop new general chemistry experiments using these circuits and sensors. The new experiments are further tested when they are incorporated into the general chemistry laboratory. This symbiotic relationship provides a source for continual feedback and evaluation of the entire project.