Linking Chemistry to Community: Integration of Culturally Responsive Teaching into General Chemistry I Laboratory in a Remote Setting

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic redefined how chemistry laboratories were taught. It also introduced a racial health disparity for Black and Brown people. The General Chemistry I laboratory curriculum at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Baltimore, MD, was redesigned to meet student needs during this challenging time. While surrounded by civil unrest and uncertainty, we wanted to reach our underrepresented students in a way that they felt seen and heard. "The Mystery of Mr. Johnson" series was designed to reinforce the role chemistry can serve in advancing equity in their community. This interconnected series of three experiments (Solutions, Titration, Spectroscopy) developed chemistry laboratory skills which were applied to diabetes, a COVID-19 comorbidity, and health disparity highly prevalent in Baltimore. "The Mystery of Mr. Johnson" series provided opportunities for students to gain exposure to the role of chemistry in addressing a health disparity that impacts their community. The culminating project was a public service announcement to communicate lifestyle changes and the prevalence of diabetes in the black community.