Experiments designed for the physically challenged student
The NASAL project seeks to transform chemistry laboratory instruction from an eyesight dependent experience into a multi-sensorial approach that will allow students with visual difficulties to do science in an active and independent fashion. We have shown that the dependence on color changes to monitor chemical reactions can be shifted to engage other senses such as the sense of smell when studying chemical principles. The sensorial experiments we develop exploit the senses of smell, touch, and hearing to make qualitative and quantitative chemical determinations and familiarize students with chemical techniques.

Design of demonstrations and resources for higher-level courses
We are currently working on developing demonstration instruments to help students visualize abstract concepts encountered in upper level chemistry courses. For example, the development of physical models of group theory aim to give students new learning methods to apply to their inorganic coursework.

Experiments to introduce nanoscience techniques into the undergraduate laboratories
This project involves the design of experimental procedures to expose undergraduate students to advances in nanoscience in order to promote understanding of nano-scale concepts. We are interested in modifying research protocols for undergraduate laboratories by eliminating the use of highly hazardous chemicals, reducing the experimentation time to fit laboratory time constraints, utilizing readily available instrumentation, and promoting conceptual understanding of the empirical research.

Innovative approaches to chemistry instruction
The Concept Advancements through Chemistry Laboratory-Lecture, cAcL₂, project has produced over 100 general chemistry activities as resources to be used in any hands-on, activity-based instruction. These activities have been used in the SCALE-UP format and studies have shown positive gains in students’ performance and attitudes when compared to traditional instruction. All activities can be downloaded from http://scaleup.ncsu.edu.

Development of assessment tools
Our current focus in this area deals with the development of a tool to assess visual-perceptual skills of students within a chemistry specific context. This assessment tool targets eight visual perceptual skills considered essential for visualization of chemical phenomena and consequently crucial in chemistry problem solving. Development and validation of such a tool will open doors for use to monitor students’ development of these skills and/or evaluate the impact of interventions.