A STEAM-Based Laboratory Approach: Evaluating Vitamin C Content with Multiple Titration and Statistical Methods

This study presents an interdisciplinary laboratory exercise that integrates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education to evaluate vitamin C content in commercial supplements. Students employed three titration methods: direct titration with iodine, direct titration with potassium iodate, and back-titration with sodium thiosulfate. The activity emphasizes the development of essential analytical chemistry skills and the application of statistical techniques using software tools such as JASP and JAMOVI. Through this exercise, students learn to assess data normality, select appropriate hypothesis tests (e.g., ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, RMANOVA, Friedman test), and interpret results using visualizations such as box plots and raincloud plots. This multidisciplinary approach not only enhances students’ understanding of chemical analysis but also refines their statistical interpretation abilities, and preparing them for real-world scientific research and industry applications. The activity underscores the value of STEAM education in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills by bridging chemistry and statistics in a meaningful context.