The “Center for Applications of Information Technology in the Teaching and Learning of Science” is a large (approximately $12 million), interdisciplinary program funded by the National Science Foundation (Grant #ESI-0083336).  The Information Technology in Science (ITS) Center at Texas A&M  administers the program, which addresses critical issues of teaching and learning in science in grades 7-12.


Cohort I (the first two years) was completed in 2001 and 2002; my participation began in 2003 with Cohort II (2003–2004) and is presently continuing with Cohort III (2005–2006).  Two of my Chemistry Department colleagues (Professor Eric Simanek and Professor Simon North) and I have been Team Leaders for a Molecular View of the Environment (CHEM 685), one of several intensive courses offered in the summers of 2003 (July 7–25), 2004 (July 5–23), and 2005 (July 5-22) for graduate credit to secondary school teachers.  The remaining modules are led by other departments and have different focuses.

Cohort II - 2003

July 21:  Bonding in Solids: Structure and bonding of everyday materials
               Molecular Visualization: Understanding structure and bonding in three dimensions
July 22:  Catalysis:  Industrial and biological transformations
July 23:  Polymers:  Industrial polymers and the environment
July 24:  Polymers:  Biological polymers and the environment
July 25:  Energy:  Fossil fuels and alternatives

Cohort II - 2004

July 5:  Photochemistry:  Reactions Harnessing Sunlight
July 6:  Polymer Depolymerization:  Chemical Recycling of PET and PLA
July 7:  Solvent-Free Chemistry
July 8:  Chemistry in Biorenewable Solvents:  Ethyl Lactate

Cohort III - 2005

July 19:  Lecture:  Introduction to the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry.  Sustainable development. 
              Focus on catalysis:  fundamentals, possibilities, limitations, applications to Green Chemistry.  
              Laboratory exercise:  Catalysis:  Chemistry in biorenewable solvents:  Ethyl lactate.
July 20:  Lecture:  Industrial catalysis, commercial polymers, pollution.  
              Laboratory exercise:  Chemical recycling:  Catalyzed depolymerization of PET.
July 21:  Lecture:  Biological catalysis, biorenewable resources, materials for a sustainable economy.  
              Laboratory exercise:  Chemical recycling:  Catalyzed depolymerization of PLA.

Cyanide catalyzed benzoin reactions of furfural, benzaldehyde, para-nitrobenzaldehyde, and para-chlorobenzaldehyde in methanol (back) and ethyl lactate (front).		Chemical depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET, on cork rings) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA, above oil baths) employing KOH (Team 1) and a zirconium transesterification catalyst (Teams 2 and 3).

Catalysis/Polymers/Pollution Concept Map:

 

Cohort III - Participants

Robert Boehler Cassondra Bulaclac (Downs) Toni Ivey Vernie Kettles Jacki Kyle Kristen Moore Janet Murray Barbara Ryza Susan Skidmore Dan Van Pelt

Cohort III - 2006

In progress...