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Exploration of the Chemistry of Plants: A General Education Course
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Abstract
Chemical compounds and reactions as found in the world of plants were the basis for a new one-semester general education lecture course for college students. A separate laboratory course that included two field trips further elaborated on the lecture themes. Plant-related topics, from carbon dating and soil chemistry to plant colors, odors, and poisons, were used to introduce and illustrate increasingly complex chemistry topics: beginning with atoms, ions, and molecules the lectures progressed to the structures of organic molecules in plant pigments, fragrances, and toxins. Additional sections on plant-derived foods, dyes, and medicines stressed human dependence on plant compounds. The development of the course was strongly motivated by the effort to improve science literacy of a general student body and to excite students for chemistry. The success of the course was shown in a doubling of class enrollment compared to earlier general education lecture classes in the department, in active and consistent student participation during lectures, and in the student effort devoted to lecture and laboratory final projects.
Keywords (Audience):
First-Year Undergraduate / GeneralKeywords (Domain):
Interdisciplinary / MultidisciplinaryKeywords (Feature):
Interdisciplinary ConnectionsKeywords (Pedagogy):
Textbooks / Reference BooksKeywords (Subject):
Drugs / PharmaceuticalsCiting Articles
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This article has been cited by 2 ACS Journal articles (2 most recent appear below).
Chemistry in Sustainable Development and Global Environment
Peter Abeta IyereJournal of Chemical Education2008 85 (12), 1604Chemistry in Sustainable Development and Global Environment
Peter Abeta IyereJournal of Chemical Education2008 85 (12), 1604This piece was prompted by a call to all departments from the Chancellor of Chapman University to define their roles within a sustainable development and global environment. Because of the wide-ranging impact of the subject matter, we believe that our ...
Field Trips Put Chemistry in Context for Non-Science Majors
Keith E. PetermanJournal of Chemical Education2008 85 (5), 645Field Trips Put Chemistry in Context for Non-Science Majors
Keith E. PetermanJournal of Chemical Education2008 85 (5), 645Field trips can provide excellent real-world learning situations for students in non-science major chemistry courses. The field trips described in this article are accessible, most trips can be completed within a scheduled three-hour laboratory time ...
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- Received: August 03, 2009
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