The artifact I have chosen to represent my critical thinking skills is a virtual lab titled “Virtual Lab: Empirical Formulas.” I completed this lab for CHM 151: General Chemistry during the 16-week spring term of 2024. The purpose of this assignment was to analyze an experiment, determine the empirical formula of magnesium oxide using experimental data, and document the process through a detailed lab report. This artifact demonstrates my ability to apply critical thinking, perform accurate calculations, and communicate scientific procedures.

 

    To successfully complete this lab, I set two key goals for myself. The first goal was to logically construct a procedure that aligned with the provided experiment video and perform accurate calculations to arrive at the correct empirical formula. This was essential because the assignment required me to derive accurate chemical formulas using experimental data. To achieve this, I created a set of ten basic procedures that communicate the essential steps of the experiment without going beyond the provided video. I also began each procedural step with a specific action-verb (“record”, “wrap”, “light”, “place”, etc.) that walks the reader through the steps logically. To ensure that each of the calculations were accurate, I had a copy of the periodic table and a reference sheet with each conversion formula. I referenced each of these before I made a calculation to make sure I was performing accurate calculations. I also compared my experimental result to the result in the example, which contained the answer (derived from a different experiment). I have completed several other assignments in CHM 151 that required me to perform experiments, write procedures, and use references like the periodic table to make calculations. I have also completed work in Calculus I which required me to answer free response questions (FRQs) that rely on my knowledge of mathematical formulas and procedures for solving real-world problems.

 

    The second goal was to carefully and clearly document each calculation to support my conclusions. This was important because clear documentation allows others to follow my reasoning and verify my results. To document each calculation, I first determined how I would perform the calculation and then how to present the calculation. For instance, when asked for the percent composition of magnesium in the magnesium oxide compound, I first calculated the amount of magnesium and oxygen present in the compound. Then, I showed the division of these two numbers and the conversion from decimal to percentage. Using this process, I was able to support my answers and conclusions during the lab. My experience with free-response questions in Calculus I and other chemistry labs helped me develop the ability to present calculations in an organized and comprehensible way.

 

    Looking back, this artifact played a significant role in developing my critical thinking abilities. Through this assignment, I gained valuable experience in problem-solving, communicating my work, and developing procedures for solutions. I learned how to identify problems, create written procedures, apply previous knowledge to make calculations within these procedures, and give interpretations for my answers. These skills extend beyond chemistry and mathematics; critical thinking may be applied to any problem, whether academic, personal, or professional. Being able to think critically is important because it not only allows me to pinpoint problems, but also to develop accurate solutions. Furthermore, it allows me to clearly show how I developed these solutions through detailed supporting evidence. This allows others to test and understand my solutions, which refines my ideas and improves the credibility of my conclusions.