Non-science-major students at Columbia College-Chicago are introduced to the concept of ppm, prepare AAS standard solutions, digest foodstuffs in nitric acid, conduct AAS analysis for Ca, determine mass percentage of calcium in the sample, and check calcium levels in various food items on the Internet with a critical eye. Students work cooperatively in a setting that allows them to see how wet chemistry and understandable use of instrumental methods can be linked together. Overall response to this activity has been favorable and continues to spawn new projects dealing with the AAS analysis of metals in hair, vitamins, and additional foods.
Supplement
Student laboratory handouts and instructor notes are available as supplemental material.
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