¹H NMR Spectroscopy Guided-Inquiry Activity Using the NMR Spectrometer: Incorporating Student-Generated Videos to Assess Learning

A 2-week hands-on activity is described in which introductory organic chemistry students prepare, obtain, and analyze 1H NMR spectra of known organic compounds to draw conclusions on multiplicity, integration, and chemical shift. Students performed well on instructor-designed worksheets to develop chemical shift correlation graphs based on their findings. While exam scores remain an assessment, this activity includes student-generated videos about 1H NMR spectroscopy as an equitable evaluation of student learning. The videos contained accurate information and allowed students to utilize a familiar approach, the recording devices on their cell phones and computers, to present information. Student responses to this activity were favorable. This is an attractive approach for students that augments knowledge of 1H NMR spectroscopy with traditional lecture and laboratory experiments.