Collaborative Enhancement of Science Education with Inquiry-Based GCMS Experiments

化学(12)。这个合作项目是利用获得的GC/MS仪器来开发基于项目的实验室实验，使用引导探究学习经验来整合研究和教育，并提供跨学科的应用。实验的重点是：(1)柑桔（葡萄柚）中有气味的有机硫化合物的鉴定；(2)葡萄酒、香水和香料挥发性成分的分析；(3)尿中山茱萸酸的定量测定；(4)跨学科实验，研究了路易斯安那州十字花科植物Bignonia capreolata的气味成分。实验室经验包括参与研究项目，如：(a)气相色谱/质谱法测定西布里湖（毗邻NSU）的有机化合物，作为监测路易斯安那州北部湖泊地表水质量的更广泛项目的一部分；(b)对路易斯安那州十字花科植物气味的调查包括研究哪些成分吸引哪些传粉者和其他跨学科的实地研究；(c)尿液中山茱萸酸的定量测定是GC/MS在临床化学中应用的更广泛研究的一部分。该项目更广泛的影响包括对理科生、非理科生和K-12学生的研究和教育的整合。该项目还通过提供现代科学仪器来促进路易斯安那州北部几个机构之间的研究和教育合作，从而增强了研究和教育的基础设施，这些机构的学生数量明显不足。评估和传播计划提供了一个模型，指导如何使用指导性调查、研究经验和协作来增强当前和未来STEM教育工作者、专业人士和学生的大量多样化群体的STEM技能。

Chemistry (12). This collaborative project is using the acquisition of a GC/MS instrument to develop project-based laboratory experiments that use guided-inquiry learning experiences to integrate research and education as well as to provide interdisciplinary applications. The experiments are focusing on: (1) the identification of odoriferous organosulfur compounds in Citrus paradisi (grapefruit); (2) the analysis of volatile components of wines, perfumes, and spices; (3) the quantitative determination of orotic acid in urine; and (4) an interdisciplinary experiment relating the odor constituents of Bignonia capreolata (Louisiana crossvine). The laboratory experiences include participating in research projects such as: (a) the GC/MS determination of organic compounds in Sibley Lake (adjacent to NSU) as part of a broader project to monitor surface water quality in northern Louisiana lakes; (b) the investigation of Louisiana crossvine scent includes research into which constituents attract which pollinators and other interdisciplinary field studies; and (c) the quantitative determination of orotic acid in urine is part of a broader investigation of GC/MS applications in clinical chemistry. The broader impact of the project includes the integration of research and education for science majors, non-science majors, and K-12 students. The project also enhances the infrastructure for research and education by providing modern scientific instrumentation to stimulate research and educational collaborations among several institutions in northern Louisiana that have significant numbers of underrepresented students. The evaluation and dissemination plan is providing a model for how guided inquiry, research experiences, and collaboration can be used to augment the STEM skills in a large and diverse group of current and future STEM educators, professionals, and students.