Teaching through Case Studies

Albeit apparently underutilized, case studies allow students to apply chemistry concepts and problem solving skills to real-life situations. Case studies illuminate the relevance of chemical concepts and provide opportunities for student collaboration.

Review of the Use of Case Studies in Chemistry Undergraduate Curriculum

• Bernardi, Flávia M., and Maurícius S. Pazinato. “The case study method in chemistry teaching: A systematic review.” Journal of Chemical Education 99.3 (2022): 1211-1219.

Case Study Use in Chemistry

• Matos, Ricardo, et al. “Teaching about Chemistry Related to Food through the Interrupted Case Study Method.” Journal of Chemical Education 101.3 (2024): 1361-1366.
• Østby, Lene, Eirik Sundby, and Anita Nordeng Jakobsen. “Authentic Hands-On Learning Approaches for Bulky Student Cohorts in General Chemistry Laboratory Using Case and Peer Assessment.” Journal of Chemical Education 101.11 (2024): 4614-4623.
• Silva de Lima, Mikeas, Lilian Pozzer, and Salete Linhares Queiroz. “Use of interrupted case studies to teach scientific communication: Examples from the effects of mining on water resources in Brazil.” Journal of Chemical Education 100.2 (2023): 722-731.
• Hibbard, Lisa. “Case studies for general chemistry: teaching with a newsworthy story.” Journal of Chemical Education 96.11 (2019): 2528-2531.
• Chowdhury, Mohammad A. “Incorporating a soap industry case study to motivate and engage students in the chemistry of daily life.” Journal of Chemical Education 90.7 (2013): 866-872.

Cautionary Tale about Implementation of Case-Based Chemistry Curriculum

• Herreid, Clyde Freeman. “Why a “Case-Based” Course Failed: An Analysis of an Ill-Fated Experiment.” Journal of College Science Teaching 33.3 (2003): 8-11.