An introductory experimental course to teach and assess basic organic synthesis and identification skills has been designed. The first work of this course, which is based on the well-known hydrazone formation reaction of benzaldehydes with Brady's reagent, is presented. The designed experiment has many advantages and perfectly matches the goal of…

The teaching of laboratory skills to undergraduate students is central to all experimental sciences. In this setting, students must understand the experimental procedures as well as the fundamental principle(s) being demonstrated, all while learning within a limited time. Other limiting factors include access to equipment and reagents, resulting…

The [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reaction of olefins is an effective, atom-economical approach to produce cyclobutane compounds in organic synthetic chemistry, and they usually exhibit high regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. Here we devised a solid-state [2 + 2] photocycloaddition experiment that introduces senior undergraduate students with…

This article details the outcome of a joint reflective approach undertaken by the authors to identify common difficulties experienced by 2nd-year undergraduate Biochemistry students in laboratory classes. Difficulties experienced in laboratories can affect the development of hand skills, an understanding of how to correctly operate laboratory…

A research-style laboratory experiment for advanced undergraduate students is described, which includes the synthesis, characterization, and properties (porosity, stability, amphipathy) testing of the composite [Cu[subscript 2](BTC)[subscript 4/3](H[subscript 2]O)[subscript 2][subscript 6][HPW[subscript 12]O[subscript 40]·(C[subscript…

This laboratory experiment consists of the synthesis of two series of alkaline-earth titanates (calcium-strontium and strontium-barium)to corroborate Vegard's law by obtaining their X-ray diffraction patterns and plotting the lattice parameter versus mole fraction of both cations. This experiment allows students to understand the key concepts in…

The integration of Virtual Laboratories (VLs) into blended learning environments in science education offers a multifaceted educational experience that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This approach provides dynamic, interactive learning opportunities that can be customized to meet various educational needs…

In the activity described in this communication, the authors present a simple experiment that can be implemented with moderate operational costs and that allows students to acquire the manipulative skills necessary for chromatographic analysis of a familiar fuel that still plays a fundamental role in providing energy for transport of passengers…

A hydroponics experiment growing microgreens was piloted by seniors where trials were conducted over 9-day growth periods and designed to test 12 different growth conditions in triplicate, including varying nutrient supply, nutrient flow rate, and seed density. Plant growth was assessed through changes in daily mass, height, and final dry weight.…

To best prepare students for the real-world research environment, key skills, including experimental design, data analysis, communication of results, and critical thinking, should be key components of undergraduate science courses. Furthermore, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on in-person teaching has resulted in a need to develop courses that…

Previous work at Monash University has shown that students recognise that inquiry-, problem-, context- and industry-based experiments were better contextualised, more open to decision making and aided in the development of scientific and transferable skills. This study investigated whether these gains persisted over a longer time scale, rather…

The current study aims to examine the effects of prospective chemistry teachers' chemistry laboratory teaching experiences using different laboratory approaches on their metacognitive thinking skills and perceptions of problem-solving skills. The study is designed as "'the quasi-experimental non-equivalent pre-test/post-test control group…

This innovative comprehensive experiment is a compulsory course for third-year undergraduate students in the eight-year training program leading to a Doctor of Medicine degree or Doctor of Philosophy degree at Peking University Health Science Center (PKUHSC). There is a critical educational need to prepare these students for the increasing…

Physics education researchers have called for a shift from traditional laboratory (lab) instruction to labs that focus on the development of experimental skills. Although research has demonstrated the efficacy of such reformed labs, much work remains to determine what these labs can and should teach students and how best to achieve these goals.…

Many studies have reported various interventions to increase critical thinking, but very few studies have examined the impact of learning in classrooms and laboratories. This study aimed to find a learning pattern (practice to theory or theory to practice) in improving students' critical thinking skills (CTs). Pre and posttest nonequivalent group…