Chemical Demonstrations as the Laboratory Component in Nonscience Majors Courses

摘要

Traditional chemistry laboratory exercises in courses for nonscience majors appear limited in capturing student interest and motivation.An article from this Journal reviewed college chemistry laboratory practices and suggested getting away from "cookbook" activities (1).The Department of Chemistry at Elmhurst College has taken an alternative approach to the traditional laboratory for one of our nonscience majors' courses.Students in Chemistry in the Natural World:Demonstration Focus learn basic chemical theory by participating in a chemical demonstration-based laboratory that incorporates outreach activities.Students work in the laboratory to create and practice chemical demonstrations based on topics they are studying in lecture.Then twice during the semester,the class performs chemical demonstration shows at area elementary schools.