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(Role) Playing Politics in an Environmental Chemistry Lecture Course

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A. Meredith Smythe and Daniel A. Higgins

Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506-3701

J. Chem. Educ., 2007, 84 (2), p 241

DOI: 10.1021/ed084p241

Publication Date (Web): February 1, 2007

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

Mock congressional hearings are described as an active learning, role-playing activity for the environmental chemistry lecture course. Each student plays dual roles in this activity, alternately serving as a witness and committee member on hearing topics selected by the class. As witnesses, the students assume the roles of scientists, politicians, industrial representatives, and environmental group representatives and present both written and oral arguments for or against a particular issue. At other times, they play the role of congressional committee members and question the witnesses. Hearings are held on topics related to renewable and nonrenewable energy; hazardous waste; water, soil, and air pollution; water quality; and genetic engineering. This activity greatly enriches the educational experience for the students by allowing them to become actively engaged in learning and debating specific issues related to course materials.

Keywords (Audience):

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords (Domain):

Environmental Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Collaborative / Cooperative Learning

Keywords (Subject):

Applications of Chemistry

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