Developing Students’ Scientific Reasoning Abilities with an Inquiry-Based Learning Methodology: Applying FTIR Spectroscopy to the Study of Thermodynamic Equilibria in Hydrogen-Bonded Species

Abstract

Laboratory experiences are a key and integral part of the chemistry degree that are intended to provide the students the necessary training for laboratory work and improve their scientific reasoning/research abilities and their understanding of the uncertainty in experimental measurements. Despite the unquestionable capacity of hands-on laboratory experiences to achieve these objectives, there is a general concern that, on many occasions, students are still somewhat immature in their ability to think things through, even in the latter courses. Keeping in mind that scientific reasoning is innate in humans, the reason why even science students may lack this ability near the end of their academic undergraduate trajectory may lay in the way that many of these courses are designed, i.e., mainly as follow-up recipes of chemical processes that, in the best of cases, will ensure that the participants seek information and reflect on the theoretical aspects related to the experiments carried out. In this work we present an inquiry-based learning approach (IBL) where students are expected to use FTIR spectroscopy and apply thermodynamic concepts to study the equilibrium of formation of H-bonded dimers of benzoic acid in solvents of different polarity.

Studying the Effect of Temperature on the Formation of Hydrogen Bond Dimers: A FTIR and Computational Chemistry Lab for Undergraduate Students

“…Thus, according to the methodology reported elsewhere, the experimental data obtained must fit the equation: where c 0 is the analytical molar concentration of the sample (mol L –1 ), A m is the integrated absorbance of the monomer band, ε m is the molar absorptivity of the monomeric species, and l is the path length used during measurements. A related IBL experience integrating the above-mentioned methodology and focused on the dependence of the equilibrium constant with the polarity of the medium has been recently reported …”

Challenges Encountered by Student Teachers in an Inquiry-Based Laboratory Process

“…The laboratory can be the primary place for conducting inquiry learning, and an inquiry-based laboratory is an effective way to promote students’ science learning and improve their scientific and social skills. , In one study, most in-service teachers preferred an inquiry approach in which they were facilitators of students’ learning, and the inquiry process stimulated students’ interest and made teaching more effective . However, specific education and consistent practices are required before students have the skills to conduct investigations independently…”

Analysis of Natural Materials’ Adsorption Efficiency Relating Co(II) Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Laboratory Experiment

“…Many publications for students contain descriptions of laboratory experiments through which the students gain practical knowledge with a variety of analytical techniques. In this way, they have an opportunity to solve research issues which are interesting and also relevant for their own lives. − A generally acceptable technique to determine metals in alimentary samples, − multivitamin tablets, or daily products − is atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), which is based on the absorption of optical radiation by free atoms.…”