Project based labs have been introduced into the Analytical Laboratory. The projects were chosen so as to be relevant to our students and bear on their career interests. The projects are divided into two broad areas covering human health issues and environmental issues. The lab also includes a service learning component which is meant to make students examine the relationship between chemistry and societal needs. As an example one project has students conduct test for lead in drinking water and paint samples form old houses in close proximity to the Howard University campus. Washington DC lead poisoning rates are among the highest in the nation and the incident rates for Wards 1, 4, and 5 (located near to Howard University) exceed those of other Wards in the District of Columbia. This revised curriculum results in students who are more aware of precision, accuracy, and error in measurements. It also broadens the horizons of minority students entering the field of chemistry so that they can make connections with human needs outside the classroom.