Information • Textbooks • Media • Resources
Journal of Chemical Education Software
edited by
Jon L. Holmes Nancy S. Gettys University of Wisconsin–Madison Madison, WI 53706
Techniques in Organic Chemistry, Part 1: VHS Videotape Abstract of Special Issue 20 Lois M. Browne and Karine Auclair Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2 Canada
Techniques in Organic Chemistry is a compilation of short video segments designed to teach the basic techniques (1,2) of organic chemistry to undergraduate university or college students. Produced by Lois M. Browne and several teaching assistants in chemistry at the University of Alberta, Techniques in Organic Chemistry uses a unique style to demonstrate different practical lab skills. The set is designed to help students envision the procedural steps of basic techniques of organic chemistry in a concise, visually interesting, engaging, and unequivocal way. Part 1 of Techniques in Organic Chemistry is a VHS videotape that contains approximately 60 minutes of video segments describing the following techniques: • the proper manipulative methods for handling chemicals safely; • three types of filtration and when to use each; • recrystallization of a solid using a single solvent; • recrystallization of a solid using two solvents; • product analysis by thin-layer chromatography.
Each technique is introduced by a teaching assistant. Above, Craig and Phil introduce a technique in English. Below, Karine and Shirley provide the introduction in the French version.
Part 2, with five additional segments, is scheduled for publication later this year. In Techniques in Organic Chemistry the emphasis is on the basic manipulative skills of the procedure. Each video segment is presented in a similar format. First, teaching assistants introduce the technical method and explain the underlying fundamental purpose. Next, the step-by-step procedure is detailed by “stage hands” as voice-over narration explains what is happening. In this section, only the equipment and the demonstrator’s hands are visible to stress the proper technique and setup of apparatus. Common technical errors are addressed. Throughout the video, colorful graphic illustrations reinforce the step-by-step procedure and provide the final review of the technical method. Procedures are performed by “stage hands”—only the demonstrators’ hands and the equipment used are visible.
Alternate ways to perform these procedures exist and may be preferred at your institution. Students should be aware of options and should follow local preferences, understanding that there are fundamental steps associated the proper handling of organic chemicals. A French version, Techniques de Chimie Organique (approximately 60 minutes), is included. Techniques de Chimie Organique is translated, narrated, and coproduced by Karine
JChemEd.chem.wisc.edu • Vol. 75 No. 3 March 1998 • Journal of Chemical Education
383
Information • Textbooks • Media • Resources
Auclair. Acknowledgments • Stage Hands: Minh N. Vo, Sandra L. Kenefick, Neal N. Fong • Graphic Illustrations: Marcia Anstee, Minh N. Vo • Talent: Jon P. Carstensen, Timothy T. Van Vliet, Karine Auclair, Shirley A. Wacowich • Script and Narration: Lois M. Browne (English), Karine Auclair (French) • Camera and Editing: Video Masters Multimedia Productions Inc. (Durekt Productions) • Technical Consultants: Craig J. Railton, Philip L. Wickens, Larry Coulson, Todd DeMone, Ronald J. Gardner • Funding: University Teaching Research Fund and the Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta
Colorful graphics reinforce the techniques demonstrated and correct common technical errors.
Literature Cited 1. Lehman, J. W. Operational Organic Chemistry, 2nd ed.; Allyn and Bacon: Needham Heights, MA, 1981. 2. Harwood, L. M.; Moody, C. J. Experimental Organic Chemistry; Blackwell Scientific Publications: Cambridge, MA, 1989.
Using this Videotape in the Classroom Techniques in Organic Chemistry marks two firsts for JCE Software. It is our first videotape publication that was created and submitted from outside the University of Wisconsin–Madison Chemistry Department, and it is our first bilingual publication. Approximately 60 minuets of video demonstrating organic laboratory procedures in English is followed by another 60 minutes with the same procedures presented in French. For several years now, we have encouraged authors to submit original video to JCE Software. We are very pleased with this first submission and hope that it will inspire others to share their video creations by submitting them. Remember, even though our name says Software, we accept submissions of media for chemistry education in any form other than print. Techniques in Organic Chemistry (Techniques de Chimie Organique) is the first publication released by our offices in a language other than English. While we are inter-
ested in the possibility of translating our publications, the language limitations of our staff makes this very difficult. We are curious about the demand for foreign language media and look forward to user response to this videotape. How To Use Techniques in Organic Chemistry The sequences on this videotape were designed for use prior to a laboratory exercise in which the technique demonstrated is to be used. Individual video segments have been used to clearly demonstrate a new technique during laboratory class, as a resource for students in prelab assignments, and as a review of a specific technical procedure. Hardware and Software Requirements This videotape requires an NTSC VHS videocassette player and a color video monitor such as a television set. A large-screen monitor or a video projection device may be desirable. Ordering and Information
Formation of salicylic acid crystals in water from the recrystallization demonstration in Techniques in Organic Chemistry.
384
Journal of Chemical Education Software (often called JCE Software) is a publication of the Journal of Chemical Education. There is an Order Form inserted in this issue that provides prices and other ordering information. If this card is not available or if you need additional information, contact JCE Software, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706-1396; phone: 608/2625153 or 800/991-5534; fax: 608/265-8094; email: jcesoft@ chem.wisc.edu. Information about all of our publications (abstracts, descriptions, updates, etc.) is available from our World Wide Web site:
http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu/
Journal of Chemical Education • Vol. 75 No. 3 March 1998 • JChemEd.chem.wisc.edu
