Developing a New Model to Provide First and Second-Year Undergraduates with Chemistry Research Experience: Early Findings of the Center for Authentic Science Practice in Education (CASPiE)

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 11 Issue 2 (2006) pp 125-129

Developing a New Model to Provide First and Second-Year Undergraduates with Chemistry Research Experience: Early Findings of the Center for Authentic Science Practice in Education (CASPiE)

Gabriela C. Weaver,^†,* Donald Wink,^‡ Pratibha Varma-Nelson,^§ Fred Lytle,^† Robert Morris,^** William Fornes^†, Cianán Russell^†, William J. Boone^††

Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL 60625,Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, and Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056

Published online: 1 April 2006

Abstract. Research experiences can often be inspiring and life changing for young college students. It is possible that research experiences are pivotal in making decisions about college majors and careers. We are beginning to implement research as part of the regular curriculum for first- and second-year students in chemistry as part of the Center for Authentic Science Practice in Education (CASPiE) project. The center utilizes authentic research projects, a remote-access network of chemical instruments, and the peer-led team learning (PLTL) model. Our early evaluation results indicate that students are finding this to be a rewarding experience.

Key Words: Of Special Interest; general chemistry; first-year chemistry; introductory chemistry; ICUC

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: gweaver@purdue.edu)

Article in PDF format (784 KB) HTML format

Español Article in PDF format (794 KB) HTML format