While chemistry may initially seem like a dry subject, upon further exploration, students may find an assortment of interesting sub-topics buried within this discipline. By creating college presentations on these high-interest chemistry topics, students can highlight the most exciting parts of this subject and encourage others to engage in an exploration of chemistry.
Carbon Dating
Through the process of carbon dating, scientists can determine the approximate age of found objects, allowing them to look into the past and imagine how life may have been centuries ago. Discuss this chemistry process in your presentation, explaining the basics of how carbon dating works and exploring specific objects that scientists have placed on the historical timeline through the completion of this process. Explain the importance of chemistry processes such as these in gathering otherwise inaccessible historical information.
People on the Periodic Table
While some elements on the periodic table do not contain a person-inspired name, many are named after their discoverers or others who have made a mark on the field of chemistry. Explore the individuals who have been immortalized on the periodic table in your presentation. Discuss why these individuals were honored and how they are related to the discovery of the elements named for them.
Environmental Impact of pH Balance
While pH balance may seem unimportant, maintaining proper pH within the environment is vital for plant and animal health. Discuss the impact that water and soil pH has upon organisms that live in or grow on these Earth surfaces. Explain what processes can have a negative impact on pH balance stability and lead to environmental destruction. Provide some basic information on how citizens can work to ensure that the pH balance of their surroundings is not disturbed and that the plants and animals that live in and around their geographic area are not affected by chemical imbalances.
Chemistry of Warfare
Warfare was once all about hand-to-hand combat or basic weapons; however, as the science of creating chemical-based weapons has continued to develop, more reliance is placed on these chemistry-based war tools. Explore weapons that depend on chemical reactions or rely heavily on the presence of chemicals. Explain how these weapons are preferable to traditional weapons and how the increased use of weapons of this type has changed the face of war-time practices.
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About the Author
Erin Schreiner is a freelance writer and teacher who holds a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University. She has been actively freelancing since 2008. Schreiner previously worked for a London-based freelance firm. Her work appears on eHow, Trails.com and RedEnvelope. She currently teaches writing to middle school students in Ohio and works on her writing craft regularly.