Video: In Lab Demonstrations, Prof. Jarret Offers a Window on Holy Cross’ Hands-on Approach to Chemistry

What do exploding balloons, imploding soda cans, and a homemade cork gun have in common?

For Ron Jarret, professor of chemistry and dean for the Class of 2012, they are tools to illustrate Holy Cross’ unique discovery-oriented approach to teaching chemistry.

In recent lab demonstrations (which were streamed live on the web), Jarret offered a glimpse into this method. The College has long placed an emphasis on ensuring students learn by doing; that they are active participants in hands-on lab work.

Jarret, who has taught chemistry at Holy Cross for 24 years, took some time out to demonstrate what this means. Filmed in the organic chemistry lab in the new Integrated Science Complex, Jarret used liquid nitrogen, dry ice, and fire to show the relationship between pressure/volume and temperature of gas.

The video was recently streamed on the Holy Cross Web site as part of the Live Lecture Series by the Office of Alumni Relations and the Alumni Education Program in collaboration with the Office of Public Affairs. These unique online lectures feature Holy Cross’ exceptional faculty and are designed to keep alumni engaged and thinking critically even after they’ve left campus.

Watch the video (total time: 29:43) »