Everyday Magic: Chemistry and Its Environmental Impact
This two-week pre-college lab course provides a college-level introduction to matter's physical and chemical behavior in the general and organic chemistry fields. Topics covered will include stoichiometry, chemical bonding, acid-base reaction, gas-forming reaction, ester hydrolysis, thermochemistry, intermolecular forces, and molecular polarity.
It provides hands-on application of chemical principles in solar energy, food science, the science of soap, and environmental chemistry. The course helps you develop transferable skills that will prepare you for college. Skills include lab techniques, analytical reasoning, problem-solving, logical argument, and scientific communication skills.
Dive into the exciting world of chemistry! In the two weeks, you will explore hot topics like solar energy and the science of food. You'll even get to make your own bath bombs, soap bars, a solar cell, and measure the calories in chips. You will also get a chance to figure out what is in different painkiller pills. It's chemistry in action! Through hands-on experiments, you'll master key concepts while learning about chemistry's impact on our environment, all in a fun and immersive experience.
Campus Trips
There will be trips to facilities on campus:
- Digital Media Lab (DML): Explore the uses of virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3D printing in chemistry education and scientific communication. You'll get to 3D print a molecular model of your favorite molecule and create a short video about your scientific findings.
- Common Lab Facility in the Chemistry Department: Gain hands-on experience in a professional laboratory setting.
- Waste Management Facility: Environmental Health & Safety staff will provide a guided walkthrough and discussion on campus protocols for chemical waste management, including safe storage techniques and disposal methods.
Guest Speakers
You will meet and engage with three guest speakers:
- Dr. Steve Acquah, a former postdoctoral researcher and director of the research group of Sir Harold Kroto (the 1996 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry), will present on the discovery of fullerenes and lead a hands-on workshop on constructing buckyballs.
- With more than two decades of dedicated research, Prof. Dhandapani Venkataraman (Head of the Chemistry Department) is a leading expert in the field of organic solar cells. You will get to hear about current trends in solar cell research.
- Also, you will get to meet Dr. Ruthanne Paradise, the chief undergraduate advisor in the chemistry department, to help you explore the potential career paths for majors in chemistry.
This course is offered at the UMass Amherst campus as a residential program. Local students may apply to attend as a commuter.
The course is structured with in-class activities for the morning session and hands on labs in the afternoon session.
Each day, the class will start with a thought-provoking presentation on a chemistry theme, such as energy, light, or food. Following the presentation, students will work in pairs to conduct hands-on experiments related to the day's topic. Throughout the experiments, they will carefully collect data and record their observations. To conclude the day, students will share their findings with the class, discuss their observations, and ask questions. This daily routine will provide a dynamic and engaging learning environment, allowing students to explore chemistry concepts through practical experience.
Each evening, students are expected to engage in the assigned readings and prepare for the subsequent day's laboratory session by reviewing the relevant procedures.
Final Project: At the end of the two weeks, each group (two students) will complete and present their project to reflect on their experimental experiences, personal growth, and career aspirations. The project consists of PowerPoint slides and creating a video (7-10 minutes) discussing key learnings, research questions sparked by the experiments, and the activities or concepts that helped strengthen their passion for chemistry. Students will document their observations after each experiment, analyze findings, draw conclusions, and identify questions for future exploration.
Pre-Requisites
High School Chemistry
Materials
- Course readings and lab experiment protocols will be provided. Instead of using a textbook, students will be reading articles from different sources daily.
- Students will be provided with all required safety equipment, including lab coats, safety glasses, and gloves.
Students should bring:
- A notebook, pens/pencils, and a binder for course materials
- A scientific calculator
- Personal laptop or tablet
- Students who are not able to bring their own device will be provided with a free loaner device
Important Safety Information
Lab safety is our top priority. On your first day, students will receive a comprehensive safety orientation. Some experiments will involve small quantities of corrosive, flammable, or toxic materials. We will take every precaution to prevent exposure, including providing personal protective equipment (PPE) like lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses, and utilizing lab safety equipment.
The laboratory component of this course is designed to be challenging and enjoyable. Students are required to follow all safety rules and procedures without exception. Failure to comply will result in immediate consequences, including being barred from lab activities. Students will receive more detail safety information before the start of the program, including behavior expectations, lab dress code for safety and other topics.
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate understanding of core chemical principles, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, and chemical reactions
- Understand, apply, and perform (hands-on) acid-base, gas-forming, and hydrolysis of esters reactions
- Learn the uses of additives in soaps and the effect of those chemicals on the environment
- Recognize the practical applications of chemistry in various fields, such as solar energy, food science, and environmental science
- Acquire proficiency in basic laboratory techniques, including measurements, data collection, and analysis
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through scientific experimentation
- Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data
- Effectively communicate scientific findings, both orally and in writing
- Use a virtual reality (VR) debate training app in the Digital Media Lab (DML) to learn best practices in scientific debate
- Understand the role of chemistry in environmental issues and develop a sense of responsibility for sustainable practices
- Work effectively in a team setting to achieve common goals
Class time is Monday-Friday from 9am - 4pm.
|
Time |
Activity |
|
9:00-10:00am |
|
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10:00-11:00am |
|
|
11:00am-12:00pm |
Bucky Ball workshop (Guest Speaker Dr. Acquah) |
|
12:00-1:00pm |
Lunch |
|
1:00-2:00pm |
Training: How to design basic 3D models part 1 |
|
2:00-4pm |
Training: How to design basic 3D models part 2 |
|
Assignments: |
|
In the evenings and on weekends resident counselors will run a series of social activities. Students are encouraged to join in, relax and have fun with new friends! With social events on campus and in the surrounding Amherst area, and access to the UMass Recreation & Wellness Center, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Learn more about student life at UMass Amherst Summer Pre-College
Meet the Faculty
Dr. Lara Al Hariri, Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry
My field of research is Material Science, Analytical and Organic Chemistry. I have been engaged in multidisciplinary research on commercial and novel polymers that are used in optoelectronic, biomaterials, and antifouling surfaces. These polymers are used at the nanoscale as coatings for various surfaces to dramatically alter their properties and improve performance in applications.
My other focus is on developing modern approaches to chemical education to engage students in the learning process and generally make chemistry courses more engaging. I am using some of the latest techniques from the best international practices to really ignite the passion and enthusiasm for science with my students. You can expect live demonstrations in the class, participation using i>clicker, and a comprehensive examination that will build on the knowledge and understanding of the course material. My job is not only to teach students, but to prepare them for their future jobs in the new frontiers in collaborative research fields such as nanoscience, biomaterials, and chemical engineering.
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Dr. Sravan Surampudi, Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry
My field of research is synthetic materials. The primary focus of my research has been on developing novel pi and sigma conjugated molecules/materials for applications in optoelectronic devices.
I am also very interested in developing strategies that will create an active learning environment to help enhance the learning experience in traditional large lecture courses. I utilize audience response systems, media, and live in-class demonstrations to incorporate current research and real-world applications of basic chemical principles. I believe my job as an instructor is to ensure that students walk away from my courses with problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and a grasp of the course material so that they can apply it to both future courses and their everyday lives.
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