Orellana, Walter; Cortés, Jorge: CHEMISTRY

CLAIM:
For our senior project, we will launch ourselves on an exploration of the field of chemistry. For the actual project, we will install software onto computers and interface a spectrometer to them. After we have successfully interfaced the spectrometer, the chemistry lab at CCC will be able to utilize the spectrometer to its full extent. Furthermore, we will also create a video demonstrating the copper cycle through a series of chemical reactions.

REASON:
Considering that we are both majoring in fields concerning the sciences, work done in the chemistry field provides us with a beneficial springboard into such areas. Additionally, we plan to carry out a presentation of our senior project at METAS-a program at CCC concerning the academic success of Latino/Hispanic students-and in doing so, we intend to increase the interest of Latino/Hispanic in the science fields.

EVIDENCE:
Thus far, we have successfully installed software and interfaced the spectrometer to a computer. After going through a trial run, the spectrometer seems to be working perfectly. Additionally, we have logged hours with our mentor-Dr. Ledbetter.

VALUE:
Besides acquiring valuable information from our work with the spectrometer and through the chemical reactions we carry out, we will hopefully get more Latino/Hispanic students interested and involved in the sciences.