Implementing a Student-Designed Green Chemistry Laboratory Project in Organic Chemistry

Authors

Kate J. Graham, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's UniversityFollow
T. Nicholas Jones, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's UniversityFollow
Chris P. Schaller, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's UniversityFollow
Edward J. McIntee, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2014

Disciplines

Chemistry | Curriculum and Instruction | Education | Higher Education | Organic Chemistry | Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Abstract

A multiweek organic chemistry laboratory project is described that emphasizes sustainable practices in experimental design. An emphasis on student-driven development of the project is meant to mirror the independent nature of research. Students propose environmentally friendly modifications of several reactions. With instructor feedback, students search for a literature protocol for their most promising reaction. Students follow the procedure as described and also carry out a modified, greener reaction that they have designed on their own, incorporating a modest change in reaction conditions. The exercise concludes with a report focusing on comparative data analysis. This unique approach also focuses on teaching students the important research skills involved in locating, reproducing, and modifying a literature procedure.

Comments

DOI: 10.1021/ed5000394

Recommended Citation

Graham, K. J.; Jones, T. N.; Schaller, C. P.; McIntee, E. J. Implementing a Student-Designed Green Chemistry Laboratory Project in Organic Chemistry. J. Chem. Educ., 2014, 91(11), 1895–1900.