Case Studies in Chemistry: Engaging Students by Connecting Chemistry to Real World Issues

The introductory general chemistry course sequence is often a barrier to success for undergraduate students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines and/or students who aim to matriculate to post-baccalaureate health-related professional schools. In an effort to increase student interest in chemistry and generate intrinsic motivation for success, case study activities have been developed and implemented in large enrollment general chemistry courses. Inspired by the Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities (SENCER) project, these activities have been designed in a way that requires students to directly apply content knowledge from the general chemistry curriculum to address real-world problems related to environmental sustainability and biomedical science. The process by which the case study topics were chosen, how the case studies were facilitated in different formats, and reflection on the impact of linking chemistry to real-world issues will be described herein. © 2020 American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.