Societal Implications and Applications
These concepts in chemistry mostly relate to the environment, society, and technology in terms of energy and where it comes from. Below are some topics to explore with students and that address the following specific expectations 1.1 and 1,2 from the Ontario Curriculum for Grade 12 University Chemistry.
Energy SourcesThe unit of thermodynamics focuses on how energy is involved in chemical reactions. Energy is an essential component of society that most people take for granted. Teaching students the science of how energy is harvested is a key step to advancing their understanding of normal, everyday activities that require energy to carry out. It will also help build a greater appreciation and stewardship for our environment. Energy sources to be discussed include: fossil fuels, solar, tidal, geothermal, hydroelectric, nuclear, wind, and biofuels.
Students can be given a certain type of energy source to research which can then be presented in various formats. An example of such an activity can be found in the 'creative piece' tab of this strand's section of the website. Alternatively, students can be divided into groups and each group is assigned a different type of energy source. Students will do research about their assigned energy source and construct a mind map. Topics students can explore include how their energy source works and/or is harvested as well as pros and cons. Ideally, students will have internet access to do research. Students will make their mind maps digitally on Prezi. All of the groups' mind maps or combined in one Prezi for all to look at. At the end, each group can briefly present their points. If technology access is limiting, students can be given textbooks or other print resources. In this case, students can also make mind maps on paper. |
Combustion of Different Fuels - Enthalpies of Combustion
Fossil fuels are still the dominant source of energy at the moment and so are worth exploring. Students can use the enthalpies of combustion to compare the effectiveness of different fuel sources.
Various fossil fuels such as propane, butane, and octane have different carbon contents. As a result, they require differing amounts of energy for combustion through which they release different energies as well. The button below links to a website that provides the enthalpies of combustion as well as the balanced chemical equations for 9 different fuel sources. Students can be asked to calculate and compare the enthalpies of combustion of different fuel sources. |
Artificial Photosynthesis - Alternative Energy Sources
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The biggest connection this unit makes to society, technology, and the environment is through sources of energy. Particularly, we are trying to promote alternative and environmentally friendly energy sources. One such example is the process of artificial photosynthesis. It mimics plant metabolism to make carbon based fuels from solar energy.
Students can be shown this YouTube clip about this revolutionary process that can hopefully be industrialized to give us clean energy on a large scale. Students can explore the costs and benefits as well as dive into the chemical process as it involves oxygen, carbon dioxide, and solar energy. It can be used as a hook/ minds on activity to spark a brief discussion. Alternatively, students can be given a research project to due as is discussed in the 'creative piece' tab under this strand. |
Biocatalysts - Catalysts Affecting Reactions
The paper industry employs a technique known as the kraft process to make paper from wood. The reaction uses lots of energy and harsh chemicals that pollute the environment. In addition, chlorine is used to bleach paper but this has shown to produce carcinogens. Laccases are a type of biocatalyst that can replace the heavy chemicals used in the kraft process to reduce chemical waste. Xylanase is another biocatalyst that reduces the use of chlorine in paper bleaching by upto a quarter of the required amount. Xylanase is used in reactions that use carcinogen free chlorine or non-chlorine based substances.
Biocatalysts are very much still in their early research phases. Although they appear to have many positive benefits, nothing is perfect. Students can be asked to do a brief research activity in class where they look and pros and cons of biocatalysts and their effects on the environment. Students can sum up their findings in a t-chart or similar graphic organizer. |
adapted from:
Nelson Chemistry 12 University Preparation
DiGiuseppe, M., Haberer, S., Salciccioli, K., Sanader, M., & Vavitsas, A. (2012). Nelson Chemistry 12 University preparation. Toronto, ON: Nelson Education Ltd. Nelson Chemistry 12 University Preparation Teacher's Resource
DiGiuseppe, M., & Sanader, M. (2012). Nelson Chemistry 12 University preparation Teacher's resource. Toronto, ON: Nelson Education Ltd.
Nelson Chemistry 12 University Preparation
DiGiuseppe, M., Haberer, S., Salciccioli, K., Sanader, M., & Vavitsas, A. (2012). Nelson Chemistry 12 University preparation. Toronto, ON: Nelson Education Ltd. Nelson Chemistry 12 University Preparation Teacher's Resource
DiGiuseppe, M., & Sanader, M. (2012). Nelson Chemistry 12 University preparation Teacher's resource. Toronto, ON: Nelson Education Ltd.