A Fresh Approach to the General Chemistry Curriculum Using the Unique Capabilities of Lasers

本项目将通过创新的讲座演示来说明入门化学的基本概念，包括使用低成本和容易获得的激光光源。在普通化学课程中结合这些创新将提高学生对创造性的当代方法的认识，这些方法可用于研究化学中的经典问题。讲座演示将增加诸如热力学、动力学、酸碱平衡、化学键和原子光谱学等主题的教学。这些基于激光的活动旨在丰富学生对课程材料的理解，激发他们对化学的兴趣。学生将更准确地了解化学的动态特性和该领域对技术进步的反应能力，并了解化学目前的实践方式。从这个项目编制的课程材料将提供给其他机构的本科社区，并将在化学和教育的国家和地方会议上提出。

This project will illustrate fundamental concepts in introductory chemistry through innovative lecture demonstrations that involve the use of low-cost and readily accessible laser light sources. Incorporation of these innovations in the General Chemistry course will enhance students' awareness of the creative contemporary approaches available to pursue classical questions in chemistry. The lecture demonstrations will augment teaching of such topics as thermodynamics, kinetics, acid-base equilibria, chemical bonding, and atomic spectroscopy. These laser-based activities are designed to enrich the students' understanding of the course material and stimulate their interest in chemistry. Students will gain a more accurate reflection of the dynamic nature of chemistry and the responsiveness of the field to advances in technology as well as an illustration of the way in which chemistry is currently practiced. Curricular materials developed from this project will be made available to the undergraduate community from other institutions and will be presented at national and local conferences in chemistry and education.