Computer Instrumentation Provides Valid Laboratory Experiences for Chemistry and Physics Students
Jackie Fergusson
GateWay Community College

The use of computers in performing chemistry and physics experiments at Gateway Community College represents a significant step forward in offering quality education using state-of-the-art equipment. Similar computer technology is used in today's industry, so lab experience using computers is good preparation for the workplace. When Gateway Community College acquired a new chemistry/physics lab in the fall semester of 1995, the chemistry/physics faculty were keen to incorporate technology in the plans for its use. The big question was how exactly would we use technology in a laboratory setting that would satisfy our goal of giving our students a "valid laboratory experience." The term "valid laboratory experience" to us meant that students would have to be exposed to experiences which teach such things as how to handle and work with hazardous materials, how to manipulate scientific equipment, how to measure quantities with the appropriate degree of precision, and how to solve real problems which would come up during the course of setting up an experiment.

We had observed computers being used in labs as instruments for projecting images of other persons performing experiments - computer simulations. While these images conveyed some information, they fell short of our goal of giving students a "valid laboratory experience" because students themselves were not made to interact with the chemicals, were not required to manipulate scientific equipment, nor develop any laboratory skills. We had also observed the computer being used in the lab to process data from theoretical sources. This, too, fell short of our goal to give students a "valid laboratory experience." We came to the realization that a "valid laboratory experience" must allow the student to engage in activities such as planning an experiment, setting it up, collecting data, displaying data, and drawing conclusions. How best could we fit the computer into this picture?

We decided to replace slow manual data collection procedures by instantaneous computer acquisition. The computer could also be used to analyze the data and display them. In the spring of 1996, several manufacturers of sensor techniques and data acquisition software were screened. The chosen software was modified to fit the chemistry courses at GWCC during the summer of 1996 by a three-person team in a project sponsored by MCLI. The team members were Ms. Jackie Fergusson, Dr. Shahin Berisha, and Dr. Edelfredo Garcia. In fall 1996, the project was implemented in the CHM130 and CHM151 laboratory courses with the student using the computer to collect real-time data instantaneously while performing a wet lab. In spring 1997 the project was again implemented in the PHY101 laboratory course.

Using the computer in this way, simply for data gathering, analysis and data display, has allowed students more time for critical thinking and for drawing conclusions. The logical outcome to all this is the achievement by the student of a deeper level of understanding concepts. The virtual instrumentation technology being used in our chemistry/physics laboratory can be adopted to function as different measuring instruments for a range of disciplines. In addition to measuring chemical, thermal, mechanical and electrical quantities, other quantities such as heart rate, blood pressure, etc. can be measured without need to purchase additional instrumentation. Virtual instrumentation technology had never been used in this manner at GWCC.

We are having a great deal of fun with it and are pleased to report that the feedback from our students has been very positive.