Experimental Laboratory Approaches to Teach Environmental Science

小班教学和丰富的实验室经验是新开发的环境科学计划的组成部分。 学生目前对环境问题的兴趣提供了一个很好的机会，通过解决关键环境问题的实验室经验来发展他们对科学的兴趣。 通过购置评估空气质量的设备，加强了这种实验室经验。 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经验。 该项目还将实验室纳入环境科学和化学的入门课程。 在高年级课程的学生与环境保护局的科学家在环境相关的项目合作。 他们还与当地市中心学校的学生分享他们的专业知识。 为实现这一目标，该项目出资购买了一台用于测量大气颗粒物的大容量采样器、一台用于硝酸蒸汽采样的质量流量计和真空泵以及一台氧化氮分析仪。 此外，该项目还提供了一个用于数据采集和分析的计算机系统。 该设备允许实验室产品的扩展，并为学生提供了一个独特的机会，参与环境研究。

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.