Root Cause Analysis and Method Development of Calorimetry Experiments

First year chemistry students learn a broad range of concepts that are also proven out in the lab environment. These concepts are a basis for a solid foundation for future chemistry learning. When the lab experiments don’t produce the expected results, students understanding in these concepts diminish and overall confidence and grades suffer. Our project details the root cause analysis and subsequent method development work for two experiments related to calorimetry; heat of solution and freezing point depression. The team sought to refine these experiments after finding that many of the students were unable to generate the expected results for the experiment. The focus of the work was twofold; 1) determine the cause of the failures and 2) recommend and validate changes to the current experiments. Isolating and mitigating the issues impacting these experiments should provide future students with a deeper understanding of chemistry and how it is applied to various situations

Reclamation Of Unused Coal Fields Through Bluegrass Adventures

Reclamation Of Unused Coal Fields Through Bluegrass Adventures Throughout the last century, Eastern Kentucky has been pivotal in the coal production for the united states. As such many jobs and economic opportunities were largely formed through coal mining. In recent years, however, coal production has shifted elsewhere leaving the rural communities of eastern Kentucky at risk of economic failure. This project was focused on providing a redevelopment plan for an abandoned coal mine in eastern Kentucky. The Entrepreneurial Coal Lands Redevelopment Program (ECLRP) is focused on reclaiming abandoned coalmines to encourage economic evolution and development in low-income communities. Redevelopment of coalmines can create jobs and promotes social development. Bluegrass Adventures is a business plan that will turn an abandoned coalmine into an area where people can come to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Kentucky. Our project details the business plan for hosting summer camps to educate local youth, redesigning the land in a visually appealing and efficient manner, and providing jobs in the area. The foundation for Bluegrass Adventures seeks to generate workforce development in construction, hospitality, and training in technical work. The development of Bluegrass Adventures will bring economic growth to the Elliot County community, in addition to improving all of eastern Kentucky. Our business plan outlines finances, marketing, organization and everything needed to start this business. Our hopes are to create a business plan, site profile, environmental evaluation, and model to bring an Adventure Park to eastern Kentucky and ensure new economic growth to Elliot County