A Remote Hands-On Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry

The COVID-19 pandemic compelled many institutions to adjust their laboratory experiences to remote or virtual ones. We present a hands-on approach in which undergraduate students conducted analytical chemistry laboratory experiments at home, using materials provided in a lab kit and obtained from a local grocery store. Each kit contained a kitchen balance, pH meter, a volumetric flask, a graduated pipet, several chemicals, as well as other miscellaneous items. With this kit, students were able to titrate fruit juice and conduct statistical analysis on the mass of pennies. They observed chromatography using powdered drink mixes and solid phase extraction cartridges. They quantified the amount of dye extracted from a natural material using a Smartphone and RGB color analysis. These and other experiments were designed to align with in-person laboratory sections while creatively adapting to the limitations presented. Overall, this remote lab provided students with a robust hands-on experience, allowing them to develop and refine lab skills despite the challenges presented by remote learning.