Curriculum and Materials Development Project

The ATE program is also supporting the Curriculum and Materials Development Project at Southeast Community College, Lincoln, Nebraska (SCC). SCC in partnership with the University of Nebraska in Lincoln (UNL), is directing the project, which focuses on the first- year chemistry course in 2-year college chemical technology programs. The specific objectives of the project are (1) to create a national model for the introductory chemistry portion of the chemical technology curriculum and (2) to create disseminable materials, including written modules, a tutorial on the World Wide Web, and a prototype CD-ROM, that can be used with the model curriculum. The model and written materials are utilizing industrial examples and the new voluntary industry skill standards (VIS) with the goal of creating a mindset in the students that will prepare them for their chosen careers. With this background, the students will also be better prepared for second-year courses (analytical chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry) that will build on this base. In addition, consideration is being given to transferability to 4-year colleges.

The written materials are currently being produced and initially are taking the form of modules representing individual subject areas. The authors are using industrial processes/topics to introduce and support each subject area in a theme-based or "storyline" approach. Such an approach is unique, but effective in creating the desired mindset. The project is examining the newly developed VIS and is incorporating those that are relevant to the subject matter presented. It is expected that the modules, when completed, will be published in the form of a textbook. The World Wide Web page and the prototype CD-ROM are being produced to accompany some of the modules with the intent of supporting and reinforcing the subject matter.

Field testing of the modules and World Wide Web tutorial is taking place at SCC, UNL, and at 4-5 other sites, including Athens State Technical Institute in Athens, Georgia; Capital Community-Technical College in Hartford, Connecticut; and Delta College in University Center, Michigan, during the 1996-97 academic year. Further dissemination and voluntary field testing will take place via a network of colleges formed as part of a previous project.

The principal investigators are approaching the tasks with the thought that further reforms of the chemical technology curriculum, (i.e., the chemistry courses for the second academic year) and the production of additional CD-ROM materials will take place as part of future projects.

Chemical Engineering Program

Delta College of University Center, Michigan, has ATE support to establish a Chemical Engineering Program in Advanced Chemical Process Operations. For this project, Delta College is in partnership with Michigan Technological University, the Dow Chemical Company, and the Dow Corning Corporation. This is a three-year project focused on the development and implementation of a model innovative two-year educational program. The proposed program consists of a first-year program taught at Delta College, where high school articulation agreements and diversity outreach initiatives are well-established. Due to proximity to local chemical process plants, work internships are available with industrial partners. Upon successful completion of the first-year experience (based on academic performance and work-related recommendations), students transfer to the second-year program at Michigan Tech. The second year stresses engineering technology and has a strong laboratory component leading to a capstone experience in the new multipurpose pilot plant facilities at the Process Simulation and Control Center.

Chemical Process Operators operate the chemical plant, monitor the chemical processes occurring, and control the processes that make, blend, and separate the materials in the plant. These operators must have an understanding of how the chemical manufacturing processes work; they must understand the building blocks or unit operations of the processes; they must understand the chemistry that takes place; and they must understand the technology used to control and optimize the processes.

The program will incorporate the ACS voluntary industry skill standards and align laboratory experiences with process operator applications. The innovation will involve developing lab experiences that use industrial equipment while meeting the conceptual needs of chemistry fundamentals in a one-year course in technical chemistry. Concepts of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and polymer chemistry will be incorporated into this course.