The use of analytical instrumentation in chemistry has revolutionized measurement, identification, and evaluation of chemical systems. Today, measurement technology plays an important role in everyday life, ranging from digital thermometry in the kitchen to Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for measuring the distance a family has traveled during summer vacation. As a result, social relevance of measurement technology has increased numerical literacy, also referred to as "numeracy."
Chemical Education research must play an increasingly important role in offering fellow colleagues accurate and precise ways to determine 'good fit' when integrating measurement technology into their educational laboratory programs. To contribute to the field of chemistry, our group is interested in a research program that includes the continuous development, assessment, and dissemination of:
•curricular materials that incorporate measurement technology for student inquiry.
•student learning models and teaching methods that increase student's numeracy in the lab.
•professional development models that establish and sustain communities of practice for K-20 teachers.
