Resumen de Instructor’s Reference for Integrating Mass Spectrometry into the General Chemistry Classroom
Mass spectrometry is one of the few instrumental analysis techniques that can be relatively well-understood with physics/chemistry knowledge typical of an advanced high school or a beginning undergraduate student. This positions mass spectrometry well to be used as a bridge between abstract concepts typically set as learning goals in courses at those levels, practical problem sets based on realistic data graphs, and historical or applications case studies. Such case studies tie general chemistry learning goals in with areas of student interest, potential student career paths, and/or areas with which students might already be more familiar. The purpose of this work is to provide (1) an introduction to mass spectrometry, (2) a discussion of mass spectrometry applications which are both relevant to the general chemistry curriculum and likely of interest to the student population, and (3) examples of potential mass spectrometry-based exercises that could be integrated into classroom exercises or student assessment. Importantly, all three of these purposes are addressed at a level easily accessible for either instructors with little to no mass spectrometry background or for students in the target audience. An additional goal of the proposed activities is to encourage development of student skills in graph reading and analysis. Thus, this work’s aim is to serve as an instructor’s reference, bridging the gap between the field of mass spectrometry and the introductory or general chemistry classroom.
