An Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory Technique Course using Scaffolded, Inquiry-Based Laboratories and Project-Based Learning

To enhance students' learning and help them understandthewhole picture of the field of inorganic chemistry, an inorganic laboratorytechnique course was designed that uses scaffolded, inquiry-basedlab experiments and project-based learning. The scaffolded, inquiry-basedlaboratories taught in the first 8 weeks of the course helped studentsbetter understand the aim of each lab and how to apply each lab techniqueto a bigger research project. The laboratory experiments also includedopportunities for cooperative and collaborative learning through studentgroup work and feedback. To further develop students' independentresearch skills, we implemented project-based learning in the secondpart of the course (last 4 weeks), in which students develop a researchproposal based on independent literature research and the laboratorytechniques they learned from the course. Pilot data suggest that thecourse helped improve students' interest in inorganic chemistry,science self-efficacy, and science identity. Additionally, studentsreported that both the scaffolded, inquiry-based laboratories andthe project-based learning module enhanced their problem-solving andcritical thinking skills.