Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical tool. Presenting mass spectrometry fundamentals to high school students is an excellent opportunity to show the value of these instruments to enhance chemical understanding and to interest students in a career in science. This study employs an integrated approach to teach mass spectrometry at the secondary level. Students received inquiry-based lessons, were allowed hands-on manipulation of a model, and participated in learning about different types of mass spectrometers through an interactive tour of a mass spectrometry facility. Student interest and comprehension were evaluated periodically to assess the teaching methods. Student interest and comprehension improved using this integrated method with the hands-on portion showing the largest gains in both areas.
Payne et al. (Thu,) studied this question.