“Students in analytical chemistry (CHMB16) engage in weekly lab experiments that train them across a wide array of techniques and skills for quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses.  We fostered a partnership with the Toronto Zoo’s Nutritional Sciences Team to incorporate a community-engaged learning activity in CHMB16. As part of a semester long exercise, students collaborate in teams to design an experiment that addresses a case study presented by community partners. Students work closely with peers to reflect on and discuss how new topics learned each week through lectures and labs might apply towards addressing the case study, and in the end co-author a proposal. Select students are then invited to carry out their proposals as part of an independent research project through a research course (PSCB90) the following semester, during which they collaborate closely with partners at the Zoo and gain further hands-on training and experience working in the lab. By the end of the two semesters, I find it incredibly humbling to watch students present their findings to the Nutritional Sciences Team both through an in-person presentation and written report. Beyond the results of the project, it is rewarding and motivating as an instructor to learn about the growth that students experience throughout the whole journey through their personal written reflections, whether it be gaining a broader perspective as to how chemistry can be applied to address real-world challenges to an appreciation for the skills required to effectively collaborate with others.”

Kris Kim