Putting the Laboratory at the Center of Teaching Chemistry

This article describes an effective approach to teaching chemistry by bringing the laboratory to the center of teaching, to bring the excitement of discovery to the learning process. The lectures and laboratories are closely integrated to provide a holistic learning experience. The laboratories progress from verification to open-inquiry and culminate in an independent lab project. The lectures are presented in an interactive format that invites students to be actively involved in the learning process. The effectiveness of this method from students’ perspective is also presented.