History and Utility of Laboratory Classes

Chemistry is a relatively young science and the establishment of chemistry as a discipline in its own right evolved in tandem with undergraduate laboratory courses.¹ However, most of the experiments were expository in nature and as early as 1928 chemistry faculty questioned the value of the laboratory². While general chemistry course content is relatively consistent across the United States, general laboratory curriculum varies more widely.¹  There have been attempts to formalize the objectives of general chemistry laboratory classes³ and better understand the impact of the undergraduate laboratory experience,^{4 – 5} with results suggesting that are opportunities to improve the laboratory experience.

Innovations in the Laboratory

Peer Led Innovations

• Supplemental Learning in the Laboratory: An Innovative Approach for Evaluating Knowledge and Method Transfer, Carter, M. D., et. al. J. Chem. Educ. 2017, 94, 8, 1094–1097

• Developing and Implementing Lab Skills Seminars, a Student-Led Learning Approach in the Organic Chemistry Laboratory: Mentoring Current Students While Benefiting Facilitators, Sabanahagam, K, et. al. J. Chem. Educ. 2017, 94, 12, 1881–1888
  

Inquiry, Discovery, and Problem-based Innovations

• Problem-Based Approach to Teaching Advanced Chemistry Laboratories and Developing Students’ Critical Thinking Skills, Quattrucci, J. G., J. Chem. Educ. 2018, 95, 2, 259–266
  

• Blended inquiry with hands-on and virtual laboratories: the role of perceptual features during knowledge construction, Toth, E, E,, Ludvico, L R., Morrow, B. L.  Interactive Learning Environments 22.5 (2014): 614-630.

• Adapting an inquiry-based approach for undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses: an exploratory study, Varadarajan, S., Ladage, S., Current Science, 121, 3,  August 10, 2021, 354-359

• Student Discovery of the Relationship between Molecular Structure, Solubility, and Intermolecular Forces, Baldock, B. L, et. al, J. Chem. Educ. 2021, 98, 12, 4046–4053

  Key Takeaways

  There is not much evidence to support the efficacy of expository laboratories. Innovations in laboratory approaches hold promise for engaging and meaningful experiences such as

  • Inquiry, problem solving, and discovery approaches
  • Research and CURE approaches
  • Peer led opportunities
  • Intentionally designed experiments

   

Research Driven Innovations

• Teaching through Research: Alignment of Core Chemistry Competencies and Skills within a Multidisciplinary Research Framework, Ghanem, E., et. al, J. Chem. Educ. 2018, 95, 2, 248–258
  

• Improving Students’ Inquiry Skills and Self-Efficacy through Research-Inspired Modules in the General Chemistry Laboratory, Winkelman, K., et. al, J. Chem. Educ. 2015, 92, 2, 247–255

CURE, or Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences, Innovations

• A Review of Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences in Chemistry, Watts, F. M., Rodrigues, J-M, G. J. Chem. Educ. 2023, 100, 9, 3261–3275
  

• Developing Course Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) in Chemistry, Provost, J. J., J. Chem. Educ. 2022, 99, 12, 3842–3848
  
• Assessment of the Short-Term Outcomes of a Semester-Long CURE in General Chemistry Lab, Bixby, T. J., Miliauskas, M. M., J. Chem. Educ. 2022, 99, 12, 3849–3857

• The Design and Implementation of an Interdisciplinary CURE as an Alternative Option for the General Chemistry Laboratory Course, Miller, D. M., et. al, J. Chem. Educ. 2022, 99, 7, 2530–2540

• Student-Driven, Curriculum-Embedded Undergraduate Research Experiences (SD-CUREs) in the Senior Chemistry Curriculum and its Impact on Students, Bopegedera, A. M. R. P., J. Chem. Educ. 2021, 98, 8, 2549–2558

Intentionally Designed Laboratory Experiences

• Transforming the Organic Chemistry Lab Experience: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of Reformed Experimental Activities—REActivities, Collison, C. G., et. al., J. Chem. Educ. 2018, 95, 1, 55–61
  

1. The Role of Laboratory in General Chemistry Instruction, Elliot, M. K., Stewart, K. K., Lagowski, J. J., J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1, 145

2. Does the laboratory belong? Horton, R. E., J. Chem. Educ. 1928, 5, 11, 1432

3. A Framework for Learning in the Chemistry Laboratory, Seery, M, K,, Augustina, H. Y., Zhang, X. Israel Journal of Chemistry, 2019, 59, 6 -7, 546

4. General Chemistry Students’ Goals for Chemistry Laboratory Coursework, DeKorver, B. K., Townes, M. H. J. Chem. Educ. 2015, 92, 12, 2031–2037

5. Development, Implementation, and Analysis of a National Survey of Faculty Goals for Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory, Bruck, A. D., Townes, M. H., J. Chem. Educ. 2013, 90, 6, 685–693