Using Classic Movie Chemistry Scenes to Introduce Classroom Activities

Abstract

A list of classic movies containing chemistry-related scenes is provided for instructors to use when introducing a variety of general chemistry topics. Most of these movies have not been previously discussed in this context. The scenes can be legally copied for use in classroom PowerPoint lectures, and steps for doing this are discussed. The clips can be used alongside suggested activities for demonstrations, laboratory experiments, classroom discussions, and problem-solving or essay assignments to complement the film scenes.

Another Useful Film Clip: Scientific Methodology of the Frankenstein Monster

“…Thomas has published an article advocating the use of classic films to introduce chemical topics . His article discusses the usefulness and legal aspects of including these film clips; the latter is supplemented here in the Supporting Information.…”

“…His informal survey affirming the efficacy of his in-class clip showings is reinforced by Baggett, who compared structural retention of the text and a (wordless) movie version of a story and found recall of the latter significantly better after a week . In addition to topics listed in Thomas’s article, instructors may also wish to show students a short clip from the classic 1939 horror film Son of Frankenstein when discussing scientific methodology, a topic normally introduced at the beginning of general and introductory chemistry courses. It would also serve in high school classes, nonmajors’ chemistry courses, adult education courses, and public outreach presentations.…”

“…Being wordless, it would not disadvantage students with hearing impairment who already face multiple barriers in their science education . Clips from movies have been promoted for teaching. , They are fun . This one is fun in that it uses a monster to demonstrate the application of scientific methodology: observation, hypothesis formation and (repeated) tests by experiment, generation of an hypothesis-based prediction and tests of it, and performance of a control experiment.…”

Development of an Infographic Assignment for an Introductory Chemistry Laboratory Curriculum

“…In recent years, many works in the literature have detailed innovative ways to help students better understand and communicate chemistry. Such efforts include incorporating activities and technology in the chemistry curriculum, such as multimedia tools, − social media, − Wikipedia, − art, , computational modeling, − outreach activities, − and pop culture. − Student reflections on these engagement mediums suggest an overall positive impact on developing students’ creativity and improving their scientific communication skills.…”