Integrated science teaching in atmospheric ice nucleation research: immersion freezing experiments

This data supports a lab experiment-based module to integrate research and education in atmospheric ice nucleation, which is an important phenomenon potentially influencing global climate change. Our primary objective was to promote meaningful laboratory exercises to enhance the competence of students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by applying an appropriate methodology to laboratory ice nucleation measurements. To achieve our objectve, we tested our modules with a number of STEM interns, as well as students in a classroom setting, and trained them on how to experimentally simulate atmospheric ice nucleation and cloud droplet freezing. For practical training, we used a simple freezing assay device called the West Texas Cryogenic Refrigerator Applied to Freezing Test (WT-CRAFT) system. We provided hands-on lessons with students to let them calibrate WT-CRAFT with deionized ultrapure water and recorded representative experiments to understand the physicochemical properties of bulk water and droplet freezing.