Fourteen advanced placement chemistry students from Doctors Charter School of Miami Shores recently conducted a series of experiments at Barry University. The experiments were partially made possible due to the dedication and a desire of their science teacher, Karen Franklin, who wanted to provide her students with hands-on experiments with advanced techniques and modern instrumentation, and to expose them to the rigors of college learning.
Students were given a tour of Barry’s chemistry facilities showcasing well-equipped laboratories, and they were informed of accomplishments of undergraduate chemistry majors and alumni. The Office of Admissions conducted a presentation about Barry University and provided tips on how to be successful with the college admissions process.
“This experience has been the best professional development opportunity since I began teaching,” Franklin said.
After obtaining laboratory safety training from Maria Aloya, who serves as laboratory director and stockroom manager, students got hands-on experience with simple distillation and cholesterol extraction (led by Dr. George Fisher), synthesis and identification of aspirin (led by Dr. John Boulos), chromatography of ink and acid-base titration (led by Dr. Zuzana Zajickova), and introduction to crystal growing competition, science inquiry and presentation skills (led by Dr. Tamara Hamilton and Jocelyn Baquier — an undergraduate chemistry major fulfilling service-learning project for Senior Seminar).
Students presented posters dedicated to crystal growing competition during the 10th Annual S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Research Symposium on April 6. Winners of this competition, judged by science and arts faculty, were also announced.
Aloya secured a $100 gift certificate from Flinn Scientific. The certificate was presented to Franklin on March 15 and will be used to purchase chemicals and supplies to allow chemistry faculty to collaborate with Franklin on enhancing her chemistry curriculum.
Doctors Charter High School students returned April 13 to test their science skills during the 17th Annual Chemistry and Physics Tournament.