Title of Effective Practice: - California Postsecondary Education ...

with a separate Anatomy and Physiology room for cadavers. It is now possible to have multiple cadavers tagged and
available for instruction, where the old lab space allowed for fewer cadavers to be open for viewing.
Chemistry
In the past, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry were taken by transfer students. In addition, CHM 100 – Fundamentals of
Chemistry is taken by 2-year Nursing students. While all the new science labs provide a more inviting atmosphere, the
Chemistry lab has especially benefited from improved lighting. Also, the new chemistry lab is much safer environment
with hoods that work at current industry standard, more eyewashes, and a safety shower. The chemicals are now stored in
new flammable cabinets with adequate ventilation. In addition, the set up of the new lab better utilizes the space and fosters
group or team learning with each team having its own computer and monitor. New electrical systems have been provided
with surge protection. The College has shown a commitment to providing our students with state of the art equipment. A
crushed ice maker while not a showy piece of equipment has been greatly appreciated allowing the students to get ice on
their own and not having to spend valuable lab time crushing it and not disrupting the lab with the noise of the portable ice
crusher used previously. The new dishwasher will help provide all the students with the clean glassware that is so necessary
to obtaining accurate results.
Physical Sciences
The Physics lab used for Physics and Physical Science has been renovated to improve instruction. Twelve computer
stations were upgraded. Included in the Physics lab renovation was more equipment such as digital multimeters,
thermometers, a PASCO computer interface for free fall experiments and plot data. Also, the Planetarium was renovated
and a new projector installed. Students planning to transfer to pre-pharmacy and pre-dent take General Physics. Electrical,
Mechanical, and Civil Engineering transfer students take Physics I, II, and III. Physical Science fulfills a general education
requirement and is taken by those students majoring in Secondary Education.
All of the laboratories were wired for computers, projectors and Internet access. The funding for the computer hardware
and installation was not in the renovation budget. The Anatomy and Physiology laboratory obtained computers in the fall
2002 before renovation. The Chemistry lab obtained six of the twelve planned computers. The projectors are budgeted for
separately and procurement and installation are dependent on the campus-wide projects.
Lab Experiences
In Biology, Chemistry and Physics, lab experiences are enhanced because students have the space and equipment to work
more efficiently. Although it is not required, in some classes, much of the work is done in groups, as students prefer to
work this way. Individual student performance can better be assessed. The larger size of the lab itself has made organizing
lab materials that students are using simpler and less confusing for students. Keeping the microbiology students on one side
of the lab has promoted safety.
In Anatomy and Physiology, the larger cadaver lab allowed more students at a time to participate in cadaver viewing. In
fact, several cadavers can be used at a time, something not possible in the old space.
Student learning is assessed each semester by the faculty. With a small full-time faculty group, the flow of information in
the past has been accomplished informally. The faculty can focus on how students are learning in our renovated labs. The
sciences will also continue to be included in the general education objective assessments at the college level as well.
Although the lab space is not specifically isolated as a benefit in these assessments it is reasonable to mention these state of
the art facilities as improving access and learning.
Contact Information
Name: Dr. Fernando Figueroa
Email: Fernando.figueroa@morton.edu
Phone: (708) 656-8000
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