Session: Undergraduate Research Posters: Chemistry Education:

Modern analytical chemistry increasingly utilizes instrumental methods over wet-bench chemistry. As a direct result of this shift, undergraduate courses in analytical chemistry increasingly focus on instrumental methods with wet-bench methods demonstrated or mentioned as an aside. However, modern chemical instruments are highly sophisticated and utilize numerous interconnected parts which work cohesively to perform the function of the instrument. The highly complex mechanisms by which these machines operate are difficult to fully depict in a 2D textbook or in-class slide image, leading to confusion or misconceptions by the students of the course. In order to address this understanding gap, an array of chemical instrument components have been designed and fabricated with 3D printing to create a hands-on learning experience for the classroom. The models demonstrated herein were created using interlocking parts, cutaways, or semi-functional movable features to provide demonstrations into the inner workings of each instrument. This work represents the production of 3D models which have been utilized within an analytical chemistry course designed for junior/senior chemistry majors. Models developed include parts for instruments within spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and chromatography, as well as tools for analytical sampling. These educational models enhance student learning through expanding the students’ understanding from 2 to 3 dimensions; giving them hands-on experience with modern laboratory instrumentation. Student feedback was collected via an anonymous survey provided at end of the course. Overall, student reception to the models was highly positive, with the most common comment being a desire for additional models to be produced.

Eric Davis

Whitworth University

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