Chemistry International
Vol. 21, No.2, March 1999
1999, Vol. 21
No. 2 (March)
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Chemistry International
Vol. 21, No. 2
March 1999
Reports
from IUPAC Bodies
Final
Report on the Design and Field Testing of a Teaching Package for Environmental
Chemistry (CTC)
(An IUPAC/ICSU Project)
The design of a package for teaching selected aspects of environmental
chemistry has been completed. The package has also been field-tested
through a series of hands-on workshops. The details of the work, which
was carried out in Bangalore and Delhi under the auspices of the Jawaharlal
Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research, are as follows:
Design of the Package
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Four instruments for measurement of pH conductance,
absorbance, and temperature have been designed in two versions:
(a) a desktop model, and (b) a handheld model. The desktop model
can be interfaced to a personal computer and has provisions for
mains as well as battery operation. The handheld model is battery-operated
only and is designed for field work.
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A microprocessor-based four-channel data logger
has been designed for use in field-based monitoring, as it can be
interfaced to sensors. The data logger can also be interfaced to
a personal computer for downloading data.
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A three-in-one instrument called an Aqualyzer, consisting
of a meter, conductometer, and colorimeter, has been designed. The
unit has maximum application for water analysis, but it can also
be used for other applications. The unit can be easily expanded
to include an electronic thermometer.
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An electronic kit has been designed for teaching/learning
of basic electronics (including integrated circuits or ICs).
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A micro-scale chemistry kit has been designed in
two versions. In one version, the comboplate designed at the Radmaste
Centre, University of Witwatersrand, is used, while in the other
version, the plate is of Indian origin.
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The usability of a camcorder has been investigated
for making video clips to supplement the print material and for
use in multimedia modules.
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A multimedia presentation has been developed describing
the microchemistry kit. Similar presentations, on selected aspects
of environmental science, have also been investigated.
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Over 100 activities/experiments have been standardized
using (a) the electronic kit, (b) the electronic instruments, and
(c) the small-scale chemistry kit.
Field Testing
About 20 hands-on teacher-student workshops were conducted
at Bangalore, Delhi, Bombay, Jaipur, and Madras to validate the instruments,
the kits, and the activities. In addition, the ICSU/IUPAC package
was used/demonstrated and/or exhibited at the following international
meetings/workshops:
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International Symposium on Cost-Effective Science
Education, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA (14-26 July
1996)
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Workshop on Low-Cost Instrumentation, University
of Lusaka, Zambia (22-29 Nov. 1996)
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Workshop on Low-Cost Instrumentation, University
of Mutare, Zimbabwe (4-9 June 1997)
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Exhibition of Low-Cost Instrumentation., IUPAC General
Assembly, Geneva (22-29 August 1997)
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Low-Cost Instrumentation for Environmental Monitoring,
Bangalore, India (9-14 March 1998)
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Workshop on Low-Cost Instrumentation, Male, Maldives
(17-20 March 1998)
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Demonstration of Low-Cost Instrumentation at the
Science Education Sector, World Bank, Washington DC, USA (5 May
1998)
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7th International Conference on Chemistry in Africa,
Durban, South Africa (6-10 July 1998)
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