Designing and conducting an open-ended experiment as an organic chemistry laboratory practical

Abstract

An open-ended laboratory practical has been developed that challenges students to evaluate the synthesis of aspirin, which is a typical experiment of organic synthesis. In contrast to a traditional textbook laboratory practical, the overall grade includes an evaluation of the experimental preparation, process, report, and PowerPoint presentation of the student. This practical improves undergraduate students’ ability to think innovatively and the skills pertaining for team cooperation, which would exhibit importance in the organic chemistry teaching experiment’s course.