Green Chemistry Resource Bank
Each recipient segment explores how teachers are using their microgrant to bring green chemistry concepts and practices into their classrooms.
Recipient files may include:
What was purchased: An overview of the materials, equipment, or supplies purchased with the microgrant.
How it supports learning: A description of how the microgrant supports green chemistry learning in the classroom.
A tip for teachers: One tip or lesson learned to share with other teachers.
Classroom resources: Optional photos and/or resources (e.g., lessons, handouts, lab activities, etc.).
Spring 2025 Microgant Recipient
With the Belmont microgrant, JECA purchased a resistor kit, a colored LED set, 9V battery connectors, electrical crimping connectors, and 6x4x2" shipping boxes. Physics students demonstrated their understanding of series and parallel circuits as they connected three push-button switches to three different colored LEDs to a 9V battery and resistor. They had to trouble shoot wiring issues when the circuit did not function properly. Then they build a homemade spectroscope out of shipping boxes with slits for a diffraction grating and a color filter. These were used to investigate the effect of colored light filters on the visible light and light spectra of various colors of LED lights. This project allowed students to create multiple spectroscopes with a variety of LED colors to enhance their investigative experience.
One thing I learned is to not assume students have experience with crimping tools. Even though I explained and demonstrated the process, we went through many crimping connectors because students crimped too tightly and broke the connector or did not insert both wires on each end and then could not complete the circuit. Another tip is to use this as an inquiry lab to discover color theory, then reinforce in the classroom with discussion.
© 2024 Maria Danielle Garrett, Ph.D. All rights reserved.