The composition of Earth’s atmosphere allows liquid water to be present on Earth. And as we know, liquid water is an essential ingredient of life. Understanding the chemical processes that dictate why Earth’s atmospheric composition matters to life on Earth and the chemical properties that make liquid water essential for life are ways in which students can begin to see the relevance of the molecular scale in the “real world,” macro-scale. Furthermore, this understanding can help students recognize why chemistry is necessary to understand and address global challenges such as air quality, climate change, and drinking water quality. This presentation will discuss ways in which chemical principles discussed in introductory chemistry courses are made relevant (i) by understanding the causes of air pollution and drinking water contamination; (ii) by recognizing the role of chemical research in shaping policies, regulations, and actions to address these challenges (iii) through projects designed to help students connect from the molecular scale to macro, real-world issues and (iv) by using chemical knowledge to ensure that “solutions” to these challenges are socially and environmentally just by paying attention to which communities are most impacted by air pollution and drinking water contamination.

Air and water: Integrative, socially relevant contexts for general chemistry

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

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