Chemistry in Society

Chemistry in Society (CHMS) is a Science CAA course whre students examine chemistry in society by exploring chemistry in their everyday lives and the world around them. It is offered at Bristol, Easton, Haverford, Hong Kong and Seattle. It has no prerequisites.

Course Description

From the CTY Summer Catalog:

From artificial sweeteners in diet soft drinks to batteries in electric cars, applications of chemistry are integral to our everyday lives. In this course, students investigate topics in chemistry as a means to solving simulated real-world problems.

Students begin the course with an exploration of water pollution as they determine the cause of a fish kill in a local river. This introduces them to the periodic table, atomic structure, and chemical bonding. In the laboratory, students investigate solubility and test water samples to identify potential toxins. They end this unit by simulating a town hall meeting to debate how to preserve their water source.

Similarly, students examine alternative fuels, the biochemistry of food, and pharmaceuticals using real-life scenarios simulated in the classroom. For instance, students may conduct calorimetric experiments and prepare biodiesel in their investigation of alternative fuels or prepare aspirin during their exploration of the healing and toxic properties of pharmaceuticals.

This course emphasizes learning concepts in a laboratory setting to demonstrate how chemistry affects our everyday lives. Students leave the course better prepared for high school chemistry and with a greater understanding of how chemistry is used to improve the world around them.

Note: Students should not take this course if they have already taken high school chemistry.

Lab Fee: $65