Enhancing Science Education and Undergraduate Research Through Geochemical Studies Using the ICP-OES

地质学刘易斯堡学院地球科学系拥有世界上最好的自然实验室之一，但该项目缺乏对岩石、土壤或水样进行化学分析的分析仪器。电感耦合等离子体原子吸收光谱仪能够常规测量各种介质中的元素光谱，这使其成为地球化学和环境课程和研究中使用的理想仪器。我们正在改编由联合学院(http://www.union.edu/PUBLIC/GEODEPT/hollocher/pedagogy/mineral_dissolution.htm和http://www.union.edu/PUBLIC/GEODEPT/hollocher/pedagogy/partition_coefficients.htm).的Kurt Hollocher教授开发的练习通过以下方式丰富了我们的计划：1)允许在地质学和环境研究入门和高级本科课程中开发基于野外和实验室的分析项目；2)扩大在这些领域进行独立本科生研究的机会；3)允许未来的K-12教育工作者收集和分析教育专业所需课程中的地球化学数据，并利用这些信息制定科学课程；4)让学生有机会在课堂和高级论文研究中将地球化学数据纳入本地研究项目；5)在小型公立学士学位授予机构提供更多的教师发展机会。这项研究的更广泛的影响包括：1)增加了大量美国原住民和西班牙裔人口在整个课程中参与本科生研究的机会，从课堂项目到独立研究；2)未来的K-12教育工作者在中等教育学位的必修课中使用该仪器；以及3)本科生参与更多种类的科学研究，以进一步发展科学发现的哲学和过程。最后，由于这是四角地区唯一的这类分析仪器，它正在为更大的社区服务，包括Dine学院和San Juan社区学院等社区学院、当地的K-12教育工作者、环境咨询公司以及石油和天然气行业。

Geology (42) The Department of Geosciences at Fort Lewis College has one of the best natural laboratories in the world, but the program lacks an analytical instrument for chemical analyses of rock, soil, or water samples. The capability of the ICP-OES to routinely measure a spectrum of elements in various media makes it the ideal instrument for use in geochemical and environmental curriculum and research. We are adapting exercises developed by Professor Kurt Hollocher at Union College (http://www.union.edu/PUBLIC/GEODEPT/hollocher/pedagogy/mineral_dissolution.htm and http://www.union.edu/PUBLIC/GEODEPT/hollocher/pedagogy/partition_coefficients.htm). Acquisition of an ICP-OES is enriching our program by: 1) allowing the development of field- and laboratory-based analytical projects in introductory and advanced-level undergraduate courses in geology and environmental studies; 2) expanding the opportunities for independent undergraduate-student research in these fields; 3) allowing future K-12 educators to collect and analyze geochemical data in courses required for Education majors and use this information to develop science curriculum; 4) giving students opportunities to incorporate geochemical data into local research projects, both in classes and senior thesis research; and 5) providing increased opportunity for faculty development at a small public baccalaureate-granting institution. The broader impacts of this study include the: 1) increased opportunities for a significant Native American and Hispanic population to participate in undergraduate research throughout the curriculum, from class projects to independent research; 2) use of the instrument by future K- 12 educators in required courses for secondary education degrees, and 3) involvement of undergraduate students in a greater variety of scientific studies to further develop the philosophy and process of scientific discovery. Finally, because this is the only analytical instrument of this type in the Four Corners region, it is serving the larger community, including community colleges such as Dine College and San Juan Community College, local K-12 educators, environmental consulting firms, and the oil and gas industry.