Dr. Nicole Christofield
<b>Department: </b>Chemistry<br><b>Research Area: </b>First semester chemistry students can be nervous about identifying and handling lab equipment. I’m interested in developing learning activities to help these students better prepare for their lab experience.<br>
Department: Chemistry
Research Focus: First semester chemistry students can be nervous about identifying and handling lab equipment. I’m interested in developing learning activities to help these students better prepare for their lab experience.
Potential Student Project(s): This project would focus on the development of how-to and pre-lab videos for the general chemistry course. The videos would introduce each lab, including the proper use of equipment and how to handle chemicals safely. Videos also will outline proper techniques for common lab procedures.
Students involved in this project will help identify chemicals, equipment, and techniques to feature in the videos. Students also could star in the videos they produce. Students would collaborate in all aspects of video production: script development, video filming, and editing footage into a final product.
Attributes/skills/background sought in undergraduate: Students must have completed a first-year chemistry course such as Chem 101, Chem 111, or Chem 112. This would be a great project for students majoring in science teaching.
Students need a willingness to learn how to film and edit videos.
Mentoring Plan: The project would begin with students reading lab procedures and watching the currently available pre-lab and how-to videos. We would collaborate on creating a list of videos to film and identifying the filming styles that would work best. There would be training in the use of filming equipment and video editing software.
Prior to filming, we would review proper safety, handling, and techniques for each video. During production, we will adhere to all safety rules and regulations. After filming, regular feedback would be given on video editing to help produce quality products.
Contact: 765-285-8075, Foundational Sciences Building, 306