eng Science and Education Publishing World Journal of Chemical Education 2375-1657 2021-11-28 9 4 144 151 10.12691/wjce-9-4-7 WJCE2021947 article Patrick Gr?b 1 Ekkehard Geidel ekkehard.geidel@uni-wuerzburg.de 1 Hans-Christian Schmitt 2 Didactics of Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universit?t W¨¹rzburg, 97074 W¨¹rzburg, Germany Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universit?t W¨¹rzburg, 97074 W¨¹rzburg, Germany Teaching the basic principles of molecular spectroscopic techniques on an experimental basis is often a particular challenge due to the relatively high cost of the required experimental equipment. The present contribution therefore offers an experimentally-based introduction into the field of spectroscopy using low-cost devices for practical courses at undergraduate level and for chemistry lessons in high schools. Using low-cost devices are also useful for schools in developing countries or poorly-funded school systems. Several experiments, specifically tailored for chemistry lessons, are developed, aiming to provide a close relation to the everyday life experience of students. Initially, a simple spectrometer working within the visible range of light is constructed by the student themselves. This low-cost dispersive spectrometer is employed for quantitative food analyses. In a second step, an introduction to spectroscopy in the near-infrared range is given using an example based on the identification of plastics. On this basis, a model experiment using a self-constructed apparatus for plastic waste separation in miniature was developed. Finally, experiments in the mid-infrared range are presented. They introduce into the functionality of a Michelson interferometer and demonstrate the use of low-cost carbon dioxide sensors. Using this strategy, students gain easier access to an understanding of radiation-matter interaction. http://pubs.sciepub.com/wjce/9/4/7/wjce-9-4-7.pdf low-cost spectrometer plastic waste separation in miniature Michelson interferometer CO₂ sensor