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

化学(12)正在开发一门基于微波合成的二年级有机实验课程，其中加强了实验室和课堂之间的概念联系。还创建了指导性探究实验室活动，以增加概念学习和促进实践者知识的发展。除了购买必要的微波反应堆外，该项目还提供教职员工和学生合作开发课程材料。一名外部评估员正在对项目学习成果进行全面评估。该项目解决了在典型的二年级有机实验室中使用健壮、安全和用户友好的程序的巨大需求。此外，虽然其他研究人员已经报告了在有机实验室课程中成功地引入指导探究的内容，但目前的提议正在着手开展第一项重大工作，利用微波辅助合成的优势，创造更多以学生为中心的实验室体验。此外，该计划还在教与学领域产生新的知识。收购微波设备将建立一个微波化学专业知识和基础设施的地区性中心，阿勒格尼方圆50英里内的许多学院和小型大学都可以使用该中心，现有的一个初中科学丰富项目正受益于这些设备。学生和教师的材料将被收集到一本虚拟实验手册中。在有关化学和教育的横向会议上，正在与更广泛的社区分享课程材料以及通过评估获得的关于教与学的新知识。

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.