Dr. Gary D. White

gwhite@mtsu.edu

Dr. Earl Pearson

Chemistry

Smart Classroom

Wiser-Patten Science Hall 110

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We seek to convert Wiser-Patten Science Hall 110, the current space for CHEM 1110 and 1120 laboratory courses into a combination master classroom/laboratory. This conversion will permit our department to test whether integrating lecture and laboratory together is an effective pedagogy and should be incorporated into the design of classroom space in the new science building. Should we find this to be the case and these courses are moved into a new facility, the space left behind could be used by service courses offered by the department. The renovated space would consist of a central discussion area flanked by rows of laboratory benches on either side. This configuration would permit immediate experimentation following a discussion and immediate discussion following experimentation. LCD projectors and screens would be located on either side and in the middle of the room. Laboratory benches would be modified so that they do not block the screens. The master classroom computer technology would permit the incorporation of recent developments in chemical education into the course content such as the use of animations and molecular modeling. The master classroom configuration could also provide space so one instructor can give a laboratory briefing to two sections of students simultaneously.