A kit-based approach to preparing undergraduate students for research

In the context of a research skills class for undergraduates, we find that providing students background on the scientific method, literature review, writing an abstract, etc. leaves little time for exposing students to actual research. Previously in this class, one assignment involved student teams of four brainstorming for a short time before conducting an experiment that could be performed over a 1-hour period. Some of the experiments included: counting the number of cars of a particular color to estimate an entire population, characterizing the skittish behavior of squirrels, monitoring coffee preferences at a local Starbucks, and estimating the chance of receiving a ticket while parked illegally on campus. While the students enjoyed designing and performing these experiments, we felt the experience did not reflect the rigor that research and experimentation demand. To rectify this situation, we supplemented the data collection activity with a new project; an educational kit was used to provide a systematic procedure for fabricating a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The kit presents an opportunity for students to fabricate devices as well as design a set of experiments for testing them with several options for controlled variables in a short amount of time.