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Date Permissions Signed

11-17-2012

Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Environmental Sciences

First Advisor

Matthews, Robin A., 1952-

Second Advisor

Borda, Emily J.

Third Advisor

Sofield, Ruth M.

Abstract

The main objective of my study was to investigate and compare a traditional and alternative mode of general chemistry laboratory delivery using environmental, monetary, and curriculum comparisons. I conducted an environmental carbon footprint analysis of traditional laboratory experiments versus laboratory kit counterparts. A dollar cost assessment of the delivery modes was also calculated. Both the environmental and dollar costs were determined on a per student basis for each experiment evaluated. The results demonstrate that traditional experiments had higher carbon emissions than the kit experiments, and the kit experiments were more expensive per student than the traditional experiments when I accounted for both faculty and graduate teaching assistant instruction. My analyses were strongly influenced by the boundary conditions and assumptions used in the carbon emission and cost calculations, so the results are only valid for the specific conditions described within this thesis. A review of the literature and a content analysis of the traditional and alternative laboratory delivery methods revealed that there was no clear evidence that one form of delivery was better at delivering a laboratory experience than the other in terms of student performance on exams or course grades. Both methods were also similar in the cognitive skills required of students. While the kits did not appear to be more appropriate at delivering a laboratory experience than traditional laboratories, they may offer an alternative for students who are unable to complete chemistry requirements in a more traditional setting. The literature review also revealed that there is a critical need for peer-reviewed studies with good experimental design to compare the effectiveness of a laboratory kit experience to a traditional laboratory experience.

Type

Text

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25710/rzax-db65

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

819421668

Subject – LCSH

Chemistry--Experiments--Environmental aspects; Chemistry--Experiments--Economic aspects; Chemistry--Experiments--Study and teaching (Higher); Atmospheric carbon dioxide--Measurement; Greenhouse gas mitigation

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

masters theses

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this thesis for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.

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