Collaborative Enhancement of Science Education with Inquiry-Based GCMS Experiments

化学(12)。这一合作项目正在利用一台GC/MS仪器来开发基于项目的实验室实验，利用指导性探究学习经验将研究与教育结合起来，并提供跨学科的应用。这些实验的重点是：(1)柑橘(葡萄柚)中有气味的有机硫化合物的鉴定；(2)葡萄酒、香水和香料的挥发性成分的分析；(3)尿液中罗丹酸的定量测定；以及(4)与路易斯安那州十字藤的气味成分相关的跨学科实验。实验室工作经历包括参与研究项目，如：(A)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，对西布利湖(毗邻南苏达州)中有机化合物的GC/MS测定；(B)对路易斯安那州交叉香水的调查包括研究哪些成分吸引了哪些授粉者以及其他跨学科的实地研究；(C)定量测定尿液中的玫瑰花酸是更广泛的GC/MS在临床化学中应用调查的一部分。该项目的更广泛影响包括对理科专业、非理科专业和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加强研究和教育的基础设施，以促进路易斯安那州北部学生人数较少的几个机构之间的研究和教育合作。评估和传播计划提供了一个模式，说明如何使用指导性探究、研究经验和协作来增强当前和未来一大批不同的STEM教育工作者、专业人员和学生的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.