Field Trips Put Chemistry in Context for Non-Science Majors

Field 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 period, and they can be conducted at minimal cost. These field trips significantly enhanced student learning and contributed to an understanding of the interrelationship of chemistry and societal issues. The experiences gained on these field trips help students "weave" chemistry into the fabric of social, political, economic, and ethical issues within their communities.