Any extra time left over in the third week may be used for individual investigations designed by the student pairs. Ideas for such projects are given in the module. Most of us don't think about it much, but there is science behind the way food is cooked, the equipment used in its preparation, and our current understanding of nutrition. The real-world connection of this laboratory shows students the relevance of chemistry to their lives. The module may be used as a one, two, or three week lab.
Students are big users of microwave ovens and are eager to learn how they work.
Concepts include titration, oxidation-reduction reactions, the role of vitamins, and nutrition. The results are of great interest to today's nutritionally conscious students. If a three-week sequence can be scheduled, we recommend that the third week be devoted to individual investigations designed by each student pair. The numerous suggestions for further research given in the module should stimulate ideas for these short projects. The module is appropriate for the first semester in either a general chemistry laboratory course for science students or in a laboratory course for liberal arts students.