The framework for a POGIL-PCL Experiment

We want the student goal in the Physical Chemistry lab to be learning how physical chemistry is done. Unfortunately, most students experience a laboratory where their goal is to replicate previously determined physical constants.

We have developed this cycle to describe the process of student activity in a POGIL-PCL experiment.

Basic Principles of a POGIL-PCL Experiment include the following:

Pre-experiment: students work in teams to

• explore background information

• consider experimental design

•  predict an outcome

Experimental Protocols that

•  provide broad instructions: e.g., exact masses or volumes omitted

•  are repeated, often with minor variations: e.g., change the temperature, pH, concentration, or species

•  may require use of shared data: e.g., use different form of magnesium

Thinking about the data: students work in teams to

•  pool data to discern trends

•  examine and apply models

•  repeat procedure based on discussion

•  develop concepts outlined in experiment objectives