|
|
| Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues >
1997
>
December
> |
|
In the Classroom
|
|
|
|
Interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning through an Environmental Water Quality Study
|
Lorie Juhl, Kaye Yearsley, and Andrew J. Silva
1110 Spruce Street, Pocatello, ID 83201
|
|
December 1997
Vol. 74 No. 12
p. 1431
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Abstract |
|
An interdisciplinary environmental water quality study was designed and conducted to enhance training and employability of chemical and environmental technician students in associate degree programs. Four project objectives were identified as a means to enhance the educational experience and employability of our students: provide experience on analytical instrumentation for organic compounds (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, GC/MS), require interdisciplinary group interactions and problem solving, provide experience with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) procedures, and require cooperation with state agencies/private organizations. Students worked in groups that included representatives from both programs to develop project objectives and a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) following EPA standards. Input from personnel at IdahoÕs Department of Environmental Quality and Bureau of Laboratories and from volunteers in an environmental "watch dog" organization called the Henry's Fork Foundation aided students in the development and implementation of their SAP. Subsequently, groups sampled sections of the Henry's Fork River and analyzed for organic, inorganic, and fecal contaminants. Analysis included EPA method 525.2 for pesticides using GC/MS. Data from all river segments was shared and each group submitted a final report analyzing results. Surveys completed by students and instructors indicate that the project is a successful teaching method allowing introduction of new skills as well as review of important technical and employability skills.
|
|
| More Information |
 Citation |
Juhl, Lorie; Yearsley, Kaye; Silva, Andrew J. J. Chem. Educ. 1997 74 1431.
|
Keywords |
Environmental Chemistry, Teaching/Learning Theory/Practice, Laboratory Instruction, Water/Water Chemistry, and Problem-based Learning
|
History |
Created:
Last Updated: |
July 20, 1999
June 23, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues >
1997
>
December
> Page
1431
|
|
|
| JCE HS CLIC |
|
Our Secondary School editors work hard to distill all the JCE materials to produce a fraction of particular interest to high school teachers. We call it CLIC.
|
| Contributions Welcome |
| JCE welcomes your submission |
| Advertisers |
| In recent years we have worked hard to better match our advertisers with our readers. When shopping for chemistry education materials, visit our advertisers' WWW sites first. |
| Be An Ambassador |
| Take JCE along on your outreach missions. Copies of the Journal, guest access to JCE Online, our publications catalog, and more are available for your participants. |
|
