Project W.A.T.E.R.S: Ways to Amplify Teaching and Education in Regard to Science

“加强科学教学和教育的方法”项目（W.A.T.E.R.S.）与化学技术项目相结合，通过使用工业工作环境中常见的最先进设备，在实验室环境中强化困难的理论概念，从而提高学生的学习能力。学生将获得有关吹扫&陷阱气相色谱系统与质谱仪（GC/MS）和离子色谱（IC）系统的使用和操作的实践培训。学生将学习如何遵循监管机构（如环境保护署（EPA））实施的标准化方法，进行多方面的高级实验，解释色谱图和质谱数据，以及操作基于计算机的仪器。W.A.T.E.R.S.项目的结果表明，涉及实验目标的科学课程的根本变化加上对理论概念的适当讨论，使STEM学生能够清楚地了解科学领域的进展。W.A.T.E.R.S.项目为开普菲尔社区学院的教师和当地K-12 STEM教育工作者提供专业发展机会。通过引入新的仪器，STEM社区中代表性不足的群体正在受益，这些仪器使学生在当今的就业市场上更具竞争力，并且/或者为向研究型大学提供更好的过渡。

Project "Ways to Amplify Teaching and Education in Regard to Science" (W.A.T.E.R.S.), in conjunction with the Chemical Technology Program, is enhancing student learning by strongly reinforcing difficult theoretical concepts in the laboratory environment through the use of state-of-the-art equipment commonly found in an industrial job environment. Students are gaining hands-on training on the use and operation of a Purge & Trap Gas Chromatography system coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC/MS) and an ion chromatography (IC) system. Students are learning how to: follow standardized methods enforced by regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), carry out multifaceted and advanced experiments, interpret chromatograms and mass spectra data, and operate computer-based instrumentation. Results from project W.A.T.E.R.S. are showing that fundamental changes within a science curriculum involving laboratory objectives coupled with appropriate discussions on theoretical concepts allows STEM students to clearly understand advances within the scientific field. Project W.A.T.E.R.S. is providing professional development opportunities to Cape Fear Community College faculty and local K-12 STEM educators. Underrepresented groups in the STEM community are benefiting through the introduction of new instrumentation that is allowing students to become more competitive in today's job market and/or to provide a better transition to a research-intensive university.