Division/Committee: [CHED] Division of Chemical Education

In order to foster student interest and motivation in general chemistry, a context-first approach has been growing in popularity in recent years. This approach features "big picture" applications, with relevant chemistry fundamentals weaved into the curriculum on a need-to-know basis. One such area of interest is materials chemistry, which has applications in energy conversion and storage, electronics, transportation, building materials, and many others. However, beyond their final use, the sustainability of a material throughout all phases of its life cycle is also of tremendous importance. Materials chemistry is often taught at senior levels due to complex structure-vs.-property relationships. However, this topic offers interesting examples that can be introduced earlier in the chemistry curriculum to provide contexts for a variety of chemistry principles. In this symposium, we are interested in learning how instructors have incorporated materials chemistry and/or materials sustainability and circular materials design into their general chemistry curricula. Pedagogical strategies that have been used to introduce these topics, such as videos, demos, lab modules, interactive activities, and virtual experiences are also of interest for this symposium.

Patrick Daubenmire

Loyola University Chicago

Appearances