CHEM 101 – APPLYING CHEMISTRY TO SOCIETY

TEAM PROJECT PRESENTATION

(250 points – 25% of final grade)

Introduction

Each one of us lives our lives immersed in a world composed of chemicals. The behavior and properties of our food, our fuel, our clothes, the personal care substances we use (shampoo, cosmetics, etc.) depend on the principles that have been discovered through the study of chemistry. Indeed, even the function of our bodies is governed by these principles. It is hard to overstate the importance chemistry to our lives.

The purpose of this assignment is to give the student an in-depth understanding of an area of chemistry, and allow the student to discover how that area of chemistry is important to everyday life. For this assignment, you will partner with 3 or 4 other students from this class, and together your team will design and deliver a classroom presentation on a chemistry topic that relates to society.

Organization

Organization is important to a well designed and delivered presentation. You should first decide the membership of your team, and then reach consensus with them on one of the subject areas listed under “Potential Topics”. Next, decide upon the goals and objectives of your presentation (what will your team do and how will your team do it?). Once your team has decided upon the goals and objectives, create a rough outline to give you an overview of your presentation. Remember that this is a chemistry presentation, so chemistry and chemical principles should be well-represented in your presentation.

Evaluation

What your team needs to do for a successful presentation:

1. Submit a rough outline for your presentation on the date noted on the course schedule (chem.winthrop.edu)

2. Submit a typed, organized final outline on the day of your presentation

3. Submit a copy of any presentation materials you use (PowerPoint slides, posters, etc.)

4. Give a 25 (min) – 35 minute (max) presentation on your chosen topic, which should include the following elements:

· A clear statement of the purpose or problem

· An organized presentation of credible, relevant information about the topic

· Conclusion or recommendation

· References

· An opportunity for the class to ask questions and make comments

5. Each member must cooperate and contribute to the team effort. You must be present for your team’s presentation to get credit for this assignment.

6. Each member must cooperate as an audience participant for all scheduled group presentations.

Your individual grade will be based on the following:

1. Class evaluation of your presentation (100 pts.)

2. Instructor evaluation of your presentation (75 pts.) – includes submission of outlines and copies of presentation materials

3. Your team’s evaluation of your contribution/cooperation (50 pts.)

4. Your participation as an audience participant for all scheduled group presentations (25 pts.)

Potential Topics

There are many areas where chemistry relates to society. Some of the areas for you to consider for this presentation are listed below. These are very broad subject areas, and your team may have to narrow the scope of your topic for the presentation. To ensure a variety of presentations, however, no one subject area can be covered by more than one team.

Green Chemistry Nanotechnology Chemistry Education Alternative Energy Sources Global Warming

Genetic Engineering Forensic Chemistry Chemistry in Art Life Processes Pharmaceuticals

Air Quality/Pollution Chemical Industry Origin of Life Personal Care Products Chemistry in Space

Chemistry in the News Nutrition Chemistry in Literature Plastics and Polymers Nuclear Chemistry

Herbal Medicines Petroleum History of Chemistry Water Quality/Pollution Cleaning Products

If your team has another topic idea, let me know. If it satisfies the spirit of the project, I will let you present that topic to the class.