The following inquiry-based student activities are designed for use in high school chemistry and history lesson planning. Based on material from the ACS National Historic Chemical Landmarks program, the lessons, reading materials, videos and student activities are designed as ready-to-go lessons, easily implemented by a chemistry teacher or his/her substitute, to supplement a unit of study.
Grades: 9-12
Subject Areas: Chemistry and History
The video and handout will help students understand the chemistry and gain insight into the history featured in the development of baking powder.
In chemistry, the activities relate to nomenclature, formula writing, reactions and organic functional groups; in history, the theme is the interdependence of science and industrialization.
Grades: 9-12
Subject Area: Chemistry
The video and handout will help students understand the chemistry of fullerenes and to appreciate the events that led to their discovery.
In chemistry, the activities relate to measurement, diatomic molecules and allotropes, nanoparticles, the relationship of molecular structure to properties of substances, and scientific discovery through collaboration and serendipity.
Joseph Priestley, Discoverer of Oxygen
Grades: 9-12
Subject Area: Chemistry and History
The handout will help students understand the historical context and how chemistry was practiced during Joseph Priestley’s time (1733-1804).
In chemistry, the activities relate to identifying physical and chemical properties, nomenclature, and the scientific process. In history, the activities relate to chronology of scientific discoveries and the relationships between England, France and America in the late 1700s.
Learn more: About the Landmarks Program
Take action: Nominate a Landmark and Contact the NHCL Coordinator
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