CSI:Nottingham : A Context-Based Practical Skills Consolidation Activity in Chemistry

Developing confidence in practical chemistry requires opportunities to consolidate core laboratory skills while fostering higher-order thinking. CSI:Nottingham is a context-based, gamified activity for second-year undergraduates that supports the transition from structured experiments to inquiry-led research. Framed as an environmental crime investigation, students work in teams to synthesize metal salen complexes, interpret spectroscopic data, and perform quantitative UV/vis analysis, applying familiar techniques in a novel context. The activity incorporates metacognitive elements, including evaluative judgment and self-regulation, alongside a fictional currency system to promote strategic decision-making. Analysis of pre- and postactivity surveys (n ≈ 115) showed significant increases in self-reported confidence across advanced practical skills, data interpretation, and problem-solving, with several outcomes showing large effect sizes (rank-biserial correlation > 0.6). These findings suggest that immersive, context-based approaches provide an effective environment for students to build confidence in the application of technical skills prior to more independent laboratory practice.