Here's how two of our 2008 Summer Residential Governor's School students described the Better Living Through (Environmental) Chemistry class:
"Environmental chemistry is much more than just chemistry or the study of the environment with chemistry. It is the incorporation of the world we live in with chemistry to better comprehend our altering environment. In this class we have learned a variety of techniques and methods helping us understand the environment. We performed a variety of labs including collecting and testing water samples for BOD, DO, nitrate, turbidity, and pH. We used Beer's Law to analyze color samples, and we digested lead paint chips for AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy) analysis. We also took field trips to UVa and Virginia Tech to visit the different science-related departments. At UVa we learned about surface chemistry, light and laser spectroscopy, and hazardous waste, along with a detailed description of both chemistry and biochemistry majors. All these activities emphasized the same overall point: it is only through awareness of our world around us and careful consideration of that awareness that humanity can hope to save the Earth and all the life on it. While this sounds like an overwhelming idea, the class itself focused on the small things chemists do every day to contribute towards the movement away from self-destruction and towards a healthy balance. This was the perfect class; it combined chemistry with the naturally occurring processes in the world around us, allowing a better understanding of both chemistry and the environment."
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