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The Effects Of Prior Calculus Classes On Success In Organic Chemistry, Tori Williamson
The Effects Of Prior Calculus Classes On Success In Organic Chemistry, Tori Williamson
Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects
Within University of Nebraska – Omaha (UNO) chemistry-based degree programs, organic chemistry along with at least two semesters of calculus are required courses. There is, however, no requirement for the order in which these courses should be taken. This is mainly due to the notion that for chemistry courses, organic chemistry is detached from the typical quantitative concepts studied in other chemistry-based courses. This is untrue, however, as many organic chemistry concepts rely on three-dimensional spatial visualizations and manipulations. Spatial awareness skills are strengthened within higher-level calculus classes. A survey was administered to organic chemistry students enrolled in 2022-2023. The …
Polymer Chemistry Education To Increase Student Awareness Of Plastic Pervasiveness And Environmental Impact, Victoria Hill
Polymer Chemistry Education To Increase Student Awareness Of Plastic Pervasiveness And Environmental Impact, Victoria Hill
Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations
A polymer-pollution-focused laboratory sequence was written to teach general chemistry concepts in a course for pre-service elementary teachers. Students experienced the difficulties related to polymer pollution clean-up and made bio-based materials to see possible alternatives. In order to determine whether this laboratory sequence changed student understanding of the importance of polymers and their environmental impact, student opinions were gathered with pre/post-course sequence surveys, observations, post-laboratory surveys, and focus group interviews. These same data collection methods were also used to determine the likelihood that the pre-service elementary teachers would teach these polymer and environmental laboratories or their concepts in the future. …
Facilitating Conceptual Learning In Quantitative Chemistry, Sarah R. Johnson
Facilitating Conceptual Learning In Quantitative Chemistry, Sarah R. Johnson
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Traditional chemistry laboratory courses have a manual consisting of “step-by-step” experiments; instructions are given to complete experiments, requiring minimal information/concepts processing to be successful. This experience leaves students unprepared for the real-world, where critical thinking skills are needed to conduct research. This study focused on building analytical techniques, conceptual knowledge, and critical thinking skills used to solve research problems. A new quantitative chemistry laboratory manual was developed to transition students from traditional to inquiry-based experiments, requiring analytical method development. Data showed students having less difficulty using the new manual (0.8281 average difficulty) on method development exam questions and experiments, compared …
Creation Of A Portable, 3d-Printable, Iphone-Compatible Spectrophotometer, Elise K. Grasse
Creation Of A Portable, 3d-Printable, Iphone-Compatible Spectrophotometer, Elise K. Grasse
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
Spectroscopy is a widely used chemical and medical analysis tool. While spectrophotometers are commonly found in many universities and laboratories, they are not available to all high schools or laboratories in developing countries. The objective of this project was to design a high-quality, 3D-printable, iPhone-compatible spectrophotometer that uses a cell phone camera and interface to collect data. The created 3D-print file will be available to anyone with access to a 3D printer which are increasingly found in many laboratories and schools across the country. A low cost pre-printed kit will also be made for those without access to a 3D …