Goal 4 - Students must demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of the scientific method. The use of the hypothetico-deductive method is illustrated by means of classic case studies such as the development of phlogiston theory, the development of Lavoisier's combustion theory and the development of chemical atomic theory. Thus, active learning is an important thrust for students involved in Chemistry and Society. Experiments in which students work together in pairs to make chemical measurements, learn firsthand of certain chemical properties and carry out chemical reactions to convert certain chemical molecules to others will be the focus of these small section activities which take place during more than half of their meetings. Other sessions will involve students working together in groups to grapple with problems and posed situations requiring chemical applications to solve.
Chemistry is a quantitative science and as such requires significant mathematical manipulations.
One cannot do Chemistry without math, and this course will require and reinforce certain algebraic skills in order to be successful. Student outcomes and goals. During the course of the semester, Chemistry and Society students will be expected to explore the fundamental principles of chemistry and the application of these principles to the problems of society. These investigations will be supported by class discussion, demonstrations, laboratory experiments, textbook reading assignments, Internet and library assignments, and homework problem assignments. Students will demonstrate their understanding of these investigations through three unit exams, successful completion of a series of laboratory investigations and a comprehensive final exam.