Smartphone Spectrometers: The Intersection of Environmental Chemistry and Engineering

Project-based learning is an engaging way to allow undergraduate students to explore environmental chemistry by providing them with an open-ended problem to solve rather than the traditional format of prescribed laboratory exercises. This technique also allows for partnerships with other disciplines like engineering. In this exercise, chemistry and engineering students worked together using paper spectrometers originally designed by PublicLab. The students compared the performance of the paper spectrometer with existing instruments using prepared water samples and brainstormed how they might improve the design. Students also discussed how the portability of an instrument might affect field measurements and how "citizen science" can be used to get data. Students appreciated the interdisciplinary collaboration and felt that the activity enhanced their understanding of spectrometry beyond that of a traditional laboratory.