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In the Classroom
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Classroom Research: GC Studies of Linoleic and Linolenic Fatty Acids Found in French Fries
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Janice P. Crowley, Kristen L. DeBoise, Megan R. Marshall, Hannah M. Shaffer, Sara Zafar, Kevin A. Jones, Nick R. Palko, Stephen M. Mitsch, Lindsay A. Sutton, Margaret Chang, Ilana Fromer, Jake Kraft, Jessica Meister, Amar Shah, Priscilla Tan, and James Whitchurch
Department of Chemistry, Wichita Collegiate School, 1221 North Webb Road, Wichita, KS 67206
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July 2002
Vol. 79 No. 7
p. 824
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| Abstract |
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A study of fatty-acid ratios in French fries has proved to be an excellent choice for an entry-level research class. This research develops reasoning skills and involves the subject of breast cancer, a major concern of American society. Analysis of tumor samples removed from women with breast cancer revealed high ratios of linoleic to linolenic acid, suggesting a link between the accelerated growth of breast tumors and the combination of these two fatty acids. When the ratio of linoleic to linolenic acid was approximately 9 to 1, accelerated growth was observed. Since these fatty acids are found in cooking oils, Wichita Collegiate students, under the guidance of their chemistry teacher, decided that an investigation of the ratios of these two fatty acids should be conducted. A research class was structured using a gas chromatograph for the analysis. Separation of linoleic from linolenic acid was successfully accomplished. The students experienced inductive experimental research chemistry as it applies to everyday life. The structure of this research class can serve as a model for high school and undergraduate college research curricula.
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| More Information |
 Citation |
Crowley, Janice P.; DeBoise, Kristen, L.; Marshall, Megan R.; Shaffer, Hannah M.; Zafar, Sara; Jones, Kevin A.; Palko, Nick R.; Mitsch, Stephen M.; Sutton, Lindsay A.; Chang, Margaret; Fromer, Ilana; Kraft, Jake; Meister, Jessica; Shah, Amar; Tan, Priscilla; Whitchurch, James. J. Chem. Educ. 2002 79 824.
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Keywords |
Collaborative / Cooperative Learning; Consumer Chemistry; Introductory / High School Chemistry; Organic Synthesis
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History |
Created:
Last Updated: |
June 17, 2002
March 16, 2005
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| Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues >
2002
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July
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824
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