Utilizing Problem-Based Learning in Qualitative Analysis Lab Experiments

A series of qualitative analysis (QA) laboratory experiments utilizing a problem-based learning (PBL) module has been designed and implemented. The module guided students through the experiments under the guise of cleaning up a potentially contaminated water site as employees of an environmental chemistry laboratory. The main goal was the requirement for students to devise their own flowcharts and then employ them in the separation of an unknown mixture of aqueous cations. Students' flowcharts and experimental results were summarized in a detailed report, thus satisfying the problem posed to them in the PBL module. PBL was specifically used in an effort to improve students' understanding of the materials by providing real-world context for the experiments. This new series of lab experiments provides instructors with an effective alternative to entirely cookbook type laboratories for teaching QA.