Introduction of a Guided-inquiry Curriculum in Organic Chemistry by Means of Microwave-assisted Synthesis

化学（12）正在开发一个基于微波介导合成的大二有机实验室课程，其中实验室和课堂之间的概念联系得到加强。 此外，还正在开展有指导的调查实验室活动，以增加概念学习和促进从业人员知识的发展。 除了购置必要的微波反应器外，该项目还为师生合作编写教材提供经费。 一名外部评估员正在对项目学习成果进行全面评估。该项目是解决强大的，安全的，用户友好的程序，在一个典型的大二有机实验室使用的巨大需求。 此外，虽然其他研究人员报告了成功地将引导探究组件引入有机实验室课程，但目前的建议正在着手进行第一项重大任务，以利用微波辅助合成的优势，创造一个更加以学生为中心的实验室体验。 此外，该计划正在教学和学习领域产生新的知识。微波设备的收购正在建立一个微波化学专业知识和基础设施的区域中心，可供阿勒格尼50英里半径内的许多学院和小型大学使用，现有的初中科学富集计划正在受益于该设备。 学生和教师的材料正在收集到一个虚拟实验室手册。 课程材料以及从评估中获得的关于教学和学习的新知识正在化学和教育跨领域会议上与更广泛的社区分享。

Chemistry(12) A sophomore organic laboratory curriculum based on microwave-mediated synthesis is being developed, in which the conceptual link between laboratory and classroom is strengthened. Guided-inquiry laboratory activities are also being created to increase conceptual learning and foster the development of practitioner knowledge. In addition to the acquisition of the necessary microwave reactors, the project is providing for faculty-student collaborative development of curriculum materials. A thoroughgoing evaluation of the project learning outcomes is being conducted by an external evaluator. The project is addressing the great need for robust, safe, and user-friendly procedures to use in a typical sophomore organic laboratory. Furthermore, while other investigators have reported on the successful introduction of guided-inquiry components into the organic laboratory curriculum, the current proposal is embarking on the first major undertaking to capitalize on the advantages of microwave-assisted synthesis in creating a more student-centered laboratory experience. In addition, this program is generating new knowledge in the realm of teaching and learning. The acquisition of the microwave equipment is establishing a regional center of expertise and infrastructure in microwave chemistry, available to the many colleges and small universities within a 50-mile radius of Allegheny, and an existing junior high science enrichment program is benefiting from the equipment. Student and instructor materials are being collected into a virtual lab manual. The curriculum materials, as well as the new knowledge on teaching and learning acquired from assessment, is being shared with the broader community at cross-cutting conferences on chemistry and education.