Page 3 - UMN Chemnews December 2020

Department creatively pivots instruction to meet the challenges of COVID-19 environment... continued from page 1
laboratory experiments and one for filming lectures—plus a mobile audiovisual streaming and recording kit.
Classroom Instruction
Much of the classroom instruction is a blend- ed combination of online teaching sessions with students and lecture recordings available later, flipped classrooms that combine online learning with focused, interactive learn-
ing activities, recorded lectures available to students on-demand, and live office hours, group discussions and presentations, and problem-solving sessions. To augment the classroom instruction, Joseph Franek, lecture demonstrations director, has put together a video library of experiments illustrating the variety of chemistry concepts taught in the courses.
Laboratory Instruction
Many dimensions of the laboratory cur- riculum were considered in order to meet
the learning objectives and provide labora- tory experiences while operating remotely. Online laboratory learning is not ideal; however, use of problem-based pedagogies
in the Department of Chemistry’s laboratory instruction has helped in the transition from in-person exploration to remote instruction by focusing on cooperative learning activities. In addition, there is a strong emphasis on green chemistry and most laboratory experiments have been updated to use small quantities of low-hazard chemicals.
Careful consideration was given to supporting learning objectives, including:
• illustrating chemical principles, techniques, and safety involved in lab projects;
• demonstrating proper use of common labo- ratory glassware and instruments;
• designing experimental protocols to test hypotheses;
• developing analytical thinking skills by trouble-shooting experiments;
• working effectively in groups to complete tasks;
• effectively communicating scientific infor- mation and key chemical concepts;
• demonstrating safe laboratory habits, including proper use of personal protective equipment and waste handling; and
• managing lab time effectively to obtain and properly record experimental results.
Student safety, environmental hazard levels, legal/liability issues, equipment procure- ment, shipping, experiment design or rede- sign, filming of experiments, and in-person options were other issues that needed to be worked out.
Only a few lab courses have any in-person instruction. For those lab courses that do meet on campus, plans include social distancing and careful consideration of student move- ment in the labs. Masks are required at all times and masks and disposable gloves are pro-
Aminata Dotson labels bottles for chemicals.
vided. The in-person portions of the laborato- ry instruction allow students to gain hands-on experience with lab-specific instruments, glassware, and experimentation techniques.
“I want students to have the experience
of being precise and accurate in the lab,
gain experience with analytical glassware, perform data analysis, and have hands-on experiences with analytical instrumentation,” said Professor Kyle Bantz who manages the department’s Analytical Chemistry program. “The data analysis is easy to do remotely, but wet chemistry and instrumentation are a bit more difficult.
Laboratory courses that have been modified include General Chemistry led by Professor Michelle Driessen, General Chemistry director, Organic Chemistry led by Professor Jane Wissinger, Organic Chemistry director, Life Sciences led by Professor Angela Perkins, Analytical Chemistry led by Professor Kyle Bantz, Honors Organic taught by Professor Thomas Hoye, Chemical Biology taught
by Professor Erin Carlson, and Physical Chemistry taught by Professor James Johns.
General Chemistry
A herculean task encompassed preparing lab kits for the department’s general chemistry courses, which have large student enrollments of about 2,500 students per semester.
“To meet their needs, many people in the de- partment quickly adapted processes to ensure
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Rebecca Combs was one of the more than 80 volunteers who contributed 250+ hours needed to tackle the task of wrapping more than 50,000 pieces of glass and other items for the general chemistry lab kits.
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