A Chemistry Minute: Recognizing Chemistry in Our Daily Lives

Dianne J. Luning Prak and Christine L. Copper
Department of Chemistry, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 21402
J. Chem. Educ., 2008, 85 (10), p 1368
DOI: 10.1021/ed085p1368
Publication Date (Web): October 1, 2008
History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

Students in introductory chemistry classes often wonder about the relevance of chemistry to their daily lives. We have sought to increase their awareness by requiring each student in first- and second-semester general chemistry to make a two-minute presentation on a chemistry-related topic. This exercise gives students an opportunity to think about chemistry taking place around them and to make a short oral presentation. These presentations often generate questions that can be addressed by the instructor immediately or as the course proceeds. The presentations also provide new examples for instructors to use in future classes. In our experience, the creativity and enthusiasm of the presenters captures the attention of their classmates and creates a positive classroom environment in which the instructor can begin the lesson for the day.

Keywords (Audience):

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords (Domain):

Curriculum

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Communication / Writing

Keywords (Subject):

Applications of Chemistry
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  • Received: August 03, 2009

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