One challenge of teaching an introductory chemistry course for non-chemistry majors is increasing student interest and engagement in course content which can have a positive impact on learning of course material. Incorporating projects into the curriculum is one way faculty increase student interest and enthusiasm while providing tools to improve learning of basic chemistry concepts. Over the past five years, there has been an increased interest in science-themed children’s literature and books for all ages on topics in all STEM fields. These children’s books are accurate in their content, creative in their delivery, and written at an age-appropriate level for the target audience. Students in an introductory general, organic, and biological chemistry course were tasked with writing a children’s book on a chemistry topic of their choice for any target age range as an extra credit assignment. They were given creative freedom in its form and preparation. Students who completed the assignment provided anonymous survey feedback about the project and the impact on their engagement in chemistry.

Writing children’s books as a tool for increasing student engagement in a non-major introductory chemistry course

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.