This article shows how second-year high school chemistry students can use the Ocean Optics Chem2000, a multi-wavelength UV–vis spectrophotometer, to help students think more independently in designing laboratory research. The article explains the process of nurturing the student from following directions for prescribed, concrete lab activities to designing, performing, and presenting their own personally interesting research. The article presents the results of one assigned lab: “Determining Which of the Seven FD&C Food-Approved Dyes are Used in Making Green Skittles”. The article also describes two student-initiated labs in which students apply their newly acquired instrumentation skills to personally interesting questions. The first lab determines the dye constituents in pharmaceutical capsules and the second lab determines the effectiveness of the UV-A, B, and C-range sunlight blockage, with a changing concentration of an SPF 30-rated sunscreen.
Supplement
A student handout, instructor notes, and the spectra of the seven FD&C food dyes are available.
Analytical Chemistry; Applications of Chemistry; Dyes / Pigments; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Instrumental Methods; Laboratory Instruction; UV-Vis Spectroscopy
History
Created:
Last Updated:
4/24/2007
5/2/2007
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