Interdisciplinary Course – “Water”
Five Chemistry Labs Proposed for “Water” (SHAO, JIANGUO)
1. Alkalinity of Natural Water (Neutralization Titration)
The alkalinity of natural water comes from different water soluble basic species. Using a
regular acid-base titration, the alkalinity of nature water can be quantitatively measured.
Teamwork is needed for students’ lab activities.
2. Water Hardness (EDTA Titration)
Water hardness is defined as the total concentration of all divalent cations contained in
natural water. EDTA will be used to quantitatively react with targeted metal ions and thus the
hardness of natural water can be obtained. Teamwork is needed for students’ lab activities.
3. Analysis of Fluoride Ions in Drinking Water (UV-visible spectroscopy)
Fluoride ion is often found in water from several sources including geological sources and
from its addition to drinking water for prevention of tooth decay. Through the reaction with a
red colored compound, fluoride can quantitatively decrease the concentration of the colored
complex. UV-visible spectrophotometer will be utilized to find the concentration of fluoride
ions in drinking water. Teamwork is needed for students’ lab activities.
4. Determination of Phosphate Content in Natural Water (UV-visible spectroscopy)
Phosphate exists in natural water systems in a variety of forms. One common source of
phosphates in the environment comes from phosphorous-containing fertilizers, such as those
used to promote the growth of grasses at golf course. Through a series of reactions, phosphates
in natural water can be quantitatively converted to a blue-colored complex. UV-visible
spectrophotometer will be applied for the measurement of phosphate ions in natural water.
Teamwork is needed for students’ lab activities.
5. Determination of Sodium Ions in Natural Water (Potentiometry – Ion Selective Electrode)
Inorganic ions present in water solution are essential for the normal growth of most life forms.
Too high concentrations of these ions become harmful and may destroy freshwater fish and
other organisms. Sodium ions will be measured through the electrochemical method. Students
will learn how to use a series of standard solutions to obtain the calibration curve firstly and
then find the concentration of sodium ions in natural water from the calibration curve.
Teamwork is needed for students’ lab activities.
Assessment for Empirical & Quantitative Skills
Assessment for Empirical & Quantitative Skills in this course will be made base on “Quantitative
Literacy VALUE Rubric” (QLVR). Level 2 in QLVR is required for this course.
INTERPRETATION:
Student is able to explain lab results in the form of tables, graphs, diagrams, equations and
words. Occasional minor errors related to computations or units are allowed.
REPRESENTATION:
Student is able to convert raw experimental data into various mathematical forms, such as
equations, graphs, diagrams, tables and words. The resulting mathematical portrayal can be
only partially appropriate or accurate.
CALCULATION:
Calculations attempted are either unsuccessful or represent only a portion of the calculations
required to comprehensively solve the problem.
APPLICATION/ANALYSIS:
Student is able to make some judgments and draw plausible conclusions from their lab work.
ASSUMPTIONS:
Student is able to explicitly describe assumptions.
COMMUNICATION:
Student is able to use quantitative information from labs, but cannot effectively connect it to
the argument or purpose of the work.