Incorporating inquiry-based laboratory experiment in undergraduate environmental engineering laboratory

From fall 1999 to spring 2003, an introductory environmental engineering course was revised to include an inquiry-based ''open" experiment for enhanced student learning. The students designed and conducted experiments to address a problem of their choice. The students' experimental topics covered air, water, and soil quality and remediation. At the completion of the experiment each student completed a questionnaire that assessed the efficacy of the open experiments in enhancing student learning; 109 student responses were subjected to statistical analysis. Examination of the survey revealed the students' belief that the open experiment aided in their understanding of basic and applied environmental concepts. Females in particular indicated that the open experiment enhanced their learning of basic concepts. Neither group size nor selection criteria impacted how well students worked within their groups. By utilizing open-ended questions in the survey, a significant portion of student responses indicated that they enjoyed the experience.