Reconfiguring the general chemistry i laboratory course at a small pui

For many students, the General Chemistry laboratory is a first experience with science in practice. We are acutely aware that impressions formed in this course color students' perceptions about their ability to master chemistry and ultimately, to contribute to the field. Over several years, our laboratory curriculum has expanded organically as individual faculty added activities and expectations: each was intended to prepare students for subsequent courses in the chemistry curriculum. However, the overlay of learning goals and assessments resulted in an overwhelming number of expectations. Here we present work in the reconsideration and reconfiguration of our first laboratory course in General Chemistry. We share our initial results including student learning outcomes and student perspectives on the revision. We also report further modifications under consideration. © 2019 American Chemical Society