Experimental Laboratory Approaches to Teach Environmental Science

小班规模和丰富的实验室经验是新开发的环境科学课程不可或缺的组成部分。目前学生对环境问题的兴趣提供了一个极好的机会，通过解决关键环境问题的实验室经验来培养他们对科学的兴趣。通过购买设备来评估空气质量，这种实验室经验得到了加强。这将丰富目前的课程，使学生能够在教师的指导下参与真正的研究体验。该项目还将实验实验室纳入环境科学和化学入门课程。高年级课程的学生与环境保护局的科学家在环境相关项目上进行合作。他们还与来自市中心当地学校的学生分享他们的专业知识。为此，该项目出资购买了用于测量大气颗粒物的大容量采样器、用于采样硝酸蒸气的质量流量计和真空泵以及氮氧化物分析仪。此外，该项目还为数据采集和分析提供了一个计算机系统。这种设备允许扩大实验室的提供范围，并为学生提供参与环境研究的独特机会。

Small class size and extensive laboratory experience are integral to the newly developed Environmental Science program. The current interest in environmental issues by students provides an excellent opportunity to develop their interests in science through lab experiences that address key environmental problems. This laboratory experience is enhanced through the acquisition of equipment to assess air quality. This will enrich the current curricula and enable students to participate in a genuine research experience under the direction of faculty. The project also incorporates experimental laboratories into introductory courses in environmental science and chemistry. Students in the upper-division courses collaborate with scientists from the Environmental Protection Agency on environmentally related projects. They also share their expertise with students from local inner-city schools. To accomplish this, the project funds the purchase of a high-volume sampler for measuring atmospheric particulate matter, a mass flow meter and vacuum pump for sampling nitric acid vapor, and a nitrogen oxide analyzer. In addition, the project provides a computer system for data acquisition and analysis. This equipment permits the expansion of laboratory offerings and provides students with a unique opportunity to participate in environmental research.