Laboratory Manual: General Chemistry I Honors - First Edition

Reviewed by Denana Miodragovic, Assistant Professor, Northeastern Illinois University on 4/19/25

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The first section of the lab manual provides a comprehensive explanation to students on how to use units and perform stoichiometric calculations. The author reflects on the most common difficulties students face while performing calculations in chemistry. In subsequent experimental sections, although the introduction and background were presented in an interesting way and primarily from a health perspective, a more chemistry-focused background is warranted.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The "Unit basis method" is well-known in chemistry as dimensional analysis. The manual is mostly accurate. The author explained the importance of significant figures on page 11, but did not apply the significant figures rule in some previous calculations (page 10). On page 13, the solution for problem 4 B should be written as 0.425 instead of 4.425. On page 16, the last paragraph (Negative Powers of 10) should be rewritten due to inconsistent examples. On page 17, the number of significant figures in a number written with and without the decimal point requires a more straightforward explanation. On page 20, instead of using "decimal figures", the term "decimal places" should be used to count significant figures when performing addition or subtraction. In the last example on page 20, 1.03 × 10^ (-2) is written as 0.013 × 10^ (-1) instead of 0.103 × 10^ (-1). On page 21, examples B and C are the same. On page 32, it is unclear why the amount of fat in grams and its average are included in both tables, but the average mass of the candy is not included in the table. On page 34, the negative charge for the carbonate ion is missing. In Experiment 5, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is listed as a poison. All these typos and minor mistakes should be corrected to avoid students being confused.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The experiment selection is interesting because well-known chemical samples such as drugs, food, and bones are used in the experiments, which helps students connect chemistry with everyday life. The chemical selection for the experiments makes this lab manual stand out in general chemistry and positions itself as relevant. This experiment selection is the strongest part of this manual, and, like all other manuals, it will be updated periodically to ensure longevity.

Clarity rating: 4

The lab manual is easy to follow for most of its parts. The procedures for lab experiments are clear and provide sufficient details, allowing students to perform the experiments easily. However, the first section on dimensional analysis, although comprehensive, could be simplified for clarity.

Consistency rating: 4

The author is consistent in how he lays out the experiments. However, the background for some experiments is very short. Chemicals and equipment are listed together as materials or as materials and supplies. Often, chemicals are listed, followed by equipment, and then the chemicals are listed again. This could be improved by separating chemicals from the equipment used. Only the last experiment listed chemical hazards and cautions.

Modularity rating: 5

In the lab manual, the first section covers stoichiometry calculations, while the other sections cover experiments, including their introductions and background information. Experiments are independent of one another. It is easy to navigate from one section to another.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

Although the experiment layout is consistent (Pre-lab questions, introduction, experiment, post-lab analysis), it is unusual for lab manuals to start with pre-lab questions before the introduction and background information. The natural flow is an introduction, pre-lab questions, the experiment, and post-lab analysis. This order would be more appropriate for students taking introductory general chemistry courses, although the start with pre-lab questions can trigger interest in the subject matter.

Interface rating: 4

The interface could be improved by adding figures to all sections of the lab manual, as provided in Experiment 5. That would benefit the manual and visual learners. Figure placement should be after the content of the figure is mentioned in the text, and the figure numbers must be mentioned in the text. The tables in the lab manual are visually appealing.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The manual is written without grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Including experiments with samples from everyday life increases students' interest and motivation, and students are more likely to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. By offering this lab manual through the Open Textbook Library, the instructor ensures that all students have the same starting point and equal opportunity to succeed. The lab manual is written in a culturally appropriate way.

Comments

Overall, this manual, which features a selection of experiments using everyday chemical samples, is suitable for students taking an introductory general chemistry course and is likely to spark their interest in chemistry. The manual covers important concepts, including stoichiometry, acid-base chemistry, and the polarity of substances and solvents. It encompasses various experimental techniques, including extraction, precipitation, filtration, synthesis, and recrystallization. By conducting experiments in this manual, students will develop valuable laboratory skills that will serve them well in later upper-level chemistry and science courses.

Reviewed by Zohra Azim, Lecturer II, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on 11/7/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The document is generally clear and thorough, though some complex sections (e.g., specific calculations) could benefit from additional explanations or simplified language. The manual’s comprehensiveness provides students with everything they need to conduct each experiment confidently. The document is generally clear and thorough, though some complex sections (e.g., specific calculations) could benefit from additional explanations or simplified language. The manual’s comprehensiveness provides students with everything they need to conduct each experiment confidently. The manual maintains a formal, instructional tone that is consistent throughout. This consistency supports students’ ability to follow the instructions without confusion.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The document presents accurate information on fundamental chemistry concepts, with each experiment providing valid explanations for chemical reactions, laboratory techniques, and expected outcomes.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The content of the manual is up-to-date and reflects current practices and foundational concepts in introductory chemistry, ensuring its continued applicability over time. The experiments focus on essential chemistry topics such as titration, synthesis, and qualitative analysis, which are core to chemistry education and unlikely to become outdated. Additionally, the manual's structure allows for easy updates.

Clarity rating: 4

The language and complexity are well-suited for undergraduate students, especially those with limited chemistry experience. Concepts are presented in an accessible manner, with appropriate depth for introductory students. The document is logically structured, moving from background information to procedure and then to data analysis and conclusions. This flow supports the learning process and allows students to build upon their knowledge step-by-step. The layout, however, could be improved with clearer visual organization in some sections (e.g., using bullet points for multi-step procedures).

Consistency rating: 4

The manual uses terminology and a structured framework that align throughout the document. Each experiment follows a similar format—beginning with an introduction, objectives, materials, and step-by-step procedures—which reinforces the learning process and ensures that students can easily navigate and understand each section.

Modularity rating: 4

The structure and content are well-suited for introductory-level college students, with pre-lab questions prompting critical thinking and post-lab analysis fostering deeper understanding. The content progressively builds on core concepts, reinforcing learning as students advance through the manual.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The manual explains the chemical principles behind each experiment concisely. Background sections provide context and are followed by clearly outlined procedures and post-lab analysis questions, making it easy for students to grasp both the "how" and "why" of each experiment.

Interface rating: 4

The layout is clear, with distinct sections and headings that help guide students through each experiment without confusion. Charts, tables, and any included images are appropriately placed and free from distortion, ensuring that data is easy to interpret and visually accessible.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The manual is generally well-written.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The manual is culturally neutral and does not include any content that could be considered insensitive or offensive. It focuses solely on general chemistry principles and laboratory techniques, which are universally applicable and free from cultural bias.

Comments

Overall, this laboratory manual is a strong educational resource that successfully introduces students to essential concepts and techniques in general chemistry. The manual aligns with general chemistry learning objectives, covering essential experimental methods and concepts that are typically part of a first-year chemistry curriculum. The content, including objectives and expected outcomes, aligns well with broader course goals aimed at developing basic laboratory skills and conceptual understanding. The manual would be highly effective as both a teaching and learning tool, fostering foundational skills and understanding in chemistry.