Of increasing concern to the US and other countries is the issue of chemical waste management and disposal.
One way to achieve waste reduction and disposal goals is by eliminating chemical waste at the source. Micro- scale chemistry, currently used for general, organic, and inorganic chemistry experiments in schools, supports that effort.
Microscale chemistry is the process of conducting experi- ments with minute amounts of chemicals to achieve the same results as those requiring large beakers of chemicals.
These diminished quantities can virtually eliminate disposal problems, as microquantities can be safely stored and disposed. It is a very cost-effective program.
As an added benefit, laboratory safety is somewhat improved by the use of microscale chemistry, as the probability of explosion, fire, or injury is greatly reduced or eliminated by using such small quantities of chemicals.
The resulting reduction in disposal problems and safety hazards makes microscale chemistry an attractive alternative to more traditional methods of educational experimentation.
Origins
First initiated in educational organic chemistry in the 1980s, at Bowden College, Me., microscale chemistry was adapted for use in inorganic, analytical, and general chemistry. The National Microscale Chemistry Center (NMC2), Merrimack College, Mass., was established in January 1993 with grants from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and other agencies. Its main purpose is to teach the practice of microscale chemistry to other teachers and research scientists around the world.
Subsequently, NMC2, as an internationally recognized program, won a national award from the Health and Safety Division of the American Chemical Society and the Environmental Merit Award from EPA.
Merrimack College
NMC2 achieves its purpose by offering workshops, seminars, and publications on the operation and advantages of conversion of laboratories to the microscale level.
To this end, teachers and scientists from around the world- including India, Israel, Finland, Japan, Denmark, France, Sweden, Mexico, and Ireland-were invited to join US attendees at NMC2 for lectures and hands-on participation in laboratory demonstrations of microscale chemistry techniques in July 2001.
Participants learned that, in addition to reducing waste, microscale chemistry facilitates recycling, shortens experiment times, and translates into significant cost savings for labs and schools.
Techniques and equipment
Microscale techniques can involve the measurement of physical properties and collection and analysis of gaseous products. Other micromethods are used for simple and fractional distillation, extraction, and recrystallization.
More-advanced experimentation entails the synthesis of metal complexes, catalysts, and environmental chemistry.
Special microscale glassware is needed. Some custom construction of equipment may be required to make a magnetic stir bar or to build a small beaker stand of wire.
Next generation
Microscale chemistry can be adapted for use in high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. Some workshops cover methods and ideas to implement a program promoting chemistry experimentation at the K-8 grade level. These workshops incorporate the viewpoint that demonstrations are important in conveying the excitement and wonder of science and generally include tips for classroom discussion.
Suggested demonstrations at this level include physical separation methods, crystallization and growth, math models, geological experiments, and timed color change exercises. Hands-on experiments in filtration, evaporation, liquid density, acid-based reactions, and the production of gases employ readily available and inexpensive materials.
Lecture and laboratory sessions are held at NMC2, Merrimack College, North Andover, Mass. For more information, contact monomohan.singh@ merrimack.edu.
