Sample Plan for Easy, Inexpensive, Safe, and Relevant Hands-On, At-Home Wet Organic Chemistry Laboratory Activities

Abstract

An emergent theme from the past spring during COVID-19 remote learning was the difficulty of providing meaningful, relevant, hands-on, wet chemistry experiences at home and the potential impact of their absence upon student learning and engagement. This article shares the process and results of developing an appropriate, easy, inexpensive, safe, and relevant hands-on, at-home DIY kit of wet laboratory activities for a first-semester high school organic chemistry course. Troubleshooting, tips, handouts, and evidence of learning and engagement are provided to supplement the already-published procedures for many of the activities. Whether instructors have already started teaching or are preparing for an upcoming course, this article should enable the rapid incorporation of an at-home laboratory curriculum to supplement student learning and promote engagement with appropriate alternatives to traditional experiments.