Multisensory learning in the undergraduate chemistry lab: The case for smell
Faculty Department
Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science (BCES)
Presentation Type
Powerpoint
Location
H239
Zoom Link
Start Date
26-2-2025 1:50 PM
End Date
26-2-2025 2:10 PM
Description (Abstract)
The traditional five senses of the human nervous system are the primary receptors of the brain’s external stimuli. While tactile learning and visual observations are integral to the chemistry laboratory, olfactory learning should be considered part of an educator's repertoire. Previous research shows that the human sense of smell plays a significant role in triggering long-term memories, and specific scents like vanillin can even prompt anamneses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of smell on memory in post-secondary chemistry students. The novelty of this study is that the participants completed a hands-on experiment that led to the smell naturally instead of a pre-made, artificial odor. A sample of 61 college students took part in a three-week pretest-posttest control group design. In the first week, participants completed a procedure that evoked a chemical reaction – esterification – to synthesize isoamyl acetate, the nontoxic scent of bananas. During the following two weeks, the treatment group was exposed to the same banana smell, while the control group was not. Both groups took an identical pre-test and post-test – the Smell Lab Assessment – to measure students’ memory of laboratory-related protocols, such as reagents, materials, and procedures for a Fischer esterification reaction. The t-test analyses showed significance at the p < .05 level on the recollection of protocol. Input from multiple sensory stimuli can enhance the precision and robustness of information remembered. This study’s findings may inspire the development of innovative pedagogical strategies infused with the commonly overlooked sense of smell.
Related Pillar(s)
Study
Multisensory learning in the undergraduate chemistry lab: The case for smell
H239
The traditional five senses of the human nervous system are the primary receptors of the brain’s external stimuli. While tactile learning and visual observations are integral to the chemistry laboratory, olfactory learning should be considered part of an educator's repertoire. Previous research shows that the human sense of smell plays a significant role in triggering long-term memories, and specific scents like vanillin can even prompt anamneses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of smell on memory in post-secondary chemistry students. The novelty of this study is that the participants completed a hands-on experiment that led to the smell naturally instead of a pre-made, artificial odor. A sample of 61 college students took part in a three-week pretest-posttest control group design. In the first week, participants completed a procedure that evoked a chemical reaction – esterification – to synthesize isoamyl acetate, the nontoxic scent of bananas. During the following two weeks, the treatment group was exposed to the same banana smell, while the control group was not. Both groups took an identical pre-test and post-test – the Smell Lab Assessment – to measure students’ memory of laboratory-related protocols, such as reagents, materials, and procedures for a Fischer esterification reaction. The t-test analyses showed significance at the p < .05 level on the recollection of protocol. Input from multiple sensory stimuli can enhance the precision and robustness of information remembered. This study’s findings may inspire the development of innovative pedagogical strategies infused with the commonly overlooked sense of smell.
Short Biography
Dr. Michael A. Marino is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry in the Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science (BCES) Department at Molloy University. Dr. Marino is the co-author of “Measurements in Evaluating Science Education,” which is a comprehensive, intuitive guide to many of the key instruments created to assess students in science education. He has also published several research papers and obtained both national and international patents on using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy in order to rapidly identify and quantify unknown samples of synthetic cannabinoids. Dr. Marino’s most current research looks at the effect of smell on memory with chemistry students at the undergraduate level. Dr. Marino presented this research at the 28th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE) at the University of Kentucky in the summer of 2024. Dr. Marino is in his 9th year of teaching chemistry at Molloy University.
Dr. Fran Wisnewski is an Associate Professor in the School of Education and Human Services at Molloy University. Dr. Wisnewski is the co-author of "A Hands-On Approach to Teaching Elementary Mathematics" and "Back to the Basics of Teaching." Dr. Wisnewski's research interests lie in the teaching of elementary mathematics, math anxiety, and undergraduate chemistry education. Most recently, Dr. Wisnewski presented at the 28th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE) at the University of Kentucky in the summer of 2024 with Dr. Marino.