Hands-On Chemistry Series
Introductory Chemistry Learning Activity Packets for Non-Science Majors

A new curriculum for introductory chemistry is available for peer review and course adoption. The curriculum consists of a series of Learning Activity Packets (LAP) on the chemistry involved in different aspects of modern society.

Dr. M. Rachel Wang of Spokane Falls Community College developed the LAP and SLA with the help of various college faculty and professionals specializing in fields other than chemistry. Progress reports of this curriculum project were presented in several professional meetings including the 212th American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting, August 27, 1996, Orlando, FL and the 53rd ACS Northwest Regional Meeting, June 18, 1998, Pasco, WA. The project is partially supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) Laboratory Leadership Development grant (DUE-9452258).

A Brief Description of the Curriculum

A unique emphasis of this curriculum is to introduce fundamental chemistry concepts by engaging students in hands-on learning activities. It is intended for students of the health sciences professional programs as well as the liberal arts. The curriculum provides students with a meaningful overview of chemistry and its multifarious applications. The LAP and SLA are designed to:

• make connections between chemistry and other fields of interest to the students;
• incorporate a variety of strategies to promote active learning, and accommodate different learning styles;
• emphasize first-hand experiences in scientific inquiry; and
• provide an attractive introduction for further studies.

Prominent features of the curriculum include:

1. Interactive, hands-on exercises
2. Workbook format blending together traditional textbook, laboratory manual, computer and library research activities, and others
3. Topical approach with over 60 LAP and SLA on fundamental concepts of chemistry, chemistry in nutrition and food, environmental chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. The LAP/SLA are grouped into three student manuals: one focusing on general chemistry, one on organic-biochemistry, and one for environmental chemistry.

Interested colleagues may download a sample LAP (in MS Word 7.0 format) for review.

Peer Review and Class Testing

Chemistry faculty and some of their students in various institutions across the nation participated in peer reviews and class testing of this curriculum during 1995-1998. The comments and suggestions have been incorporated in the latest version of this curriculum. Sample comments from the reviewers and students are available at this site.

Further Information

Contact Rachel Wang by e-mail to RachelW@spokanefalls.edu or postal mail to Dr. M. Rachel Wang, MS 3180, SFCC, 1410 Ft. George Wright Blvd., Spokane, WA 99224. You may also leave voice mail at (509)533-3654.

Sample LAP: Atoms and Molecules

Desktop copies available by email: stipes01@sbcglobal.net from Stipes Publishing.