Abstract: Students work in small teams to develop a method to analyze for needles in haystacks, with creativity greatly encouraged. They are told to make any reasonable assumptions needed about the chemical nature of both needles and haystacks, but to articulate them. This works both as an analogy for the basic task in analytical chemistry, but also as an opportunity for students to problem solve as a team.
Authors: Karla McCain, Professor of Chemistry, Austin College
Description of Integration into Course: This activity is generally used in the first or second class meeting to both introduce teamwork/problem solving and the steps involved in chemical analysis.
Course(s) used in and enrollments: CHEM 332 – Analytical Chemistry (10 students)
Behaviors Taught: Communicating Ideas, Collaborative Work
Leadership Theories Used: Effective Leadership Triangle, Teamwork, Task/Relationship
Time Required for Activity: 30-40 minutes
Date Posted: June 23, 2017
Date Modified: None
Copyright and Permission to Use: Licensing
Links to Similar Activities: None