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Chemistry and Conflict

School: High Tech High

City/State: San Diego, CA

Grade(s): 10

Format(s): Book: Nonfiction/Informational

Subject(s): English Language Arts, Science and Technology, Social Studies, Visual Arts

Project Overview

Tenth grade students at High Tech High in San Diego, CA created this book, “Chemistry and Conflict.” It is the final product from a cross-disciplinary project combining chemistry and history.

To create this book, pairs of students worked together to research the relationship between a chemical element or compound to both a historical and contemporary conflict. An example from the book is iron; it’s relationship to the industrial revolution and later, to ship breaking. This project started with extensive research, leading to the writing of a research paper. Each paper includes the discovery of the chemical element or compound, the chemical properties, the historical conflict, contemporary conflict and a proposed solution to the contemporary conflict. Students also made copper etchings illustrations to accompany their writing.

Prior to the publication of this book, students went through a critique process. A student-run editorial board approved each research paper, prior to the teachers reading and providing feedback.

This book is available for purchase through blurb.com. 

How This Project Can Be Useful

  • A strong example of teacher collaboration in a secondary setting
  • The combination of chemistry, history and fine art challenges students both creatively and academically
  • Highlights an example of an engaging means to explore chemistry and history – through the connection of contemporary issues
  • An engaging product with professional quality layout and printing

Relevant Resources

Common Core State Standards

Standard Long Term Learning Target
L.9-10.1
  • I can use correct grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
L.9-10.2
  • I can use correct capitalization, punctuation and spelling to send a clear message to my reader.
L.9-10.6
  • I can use resources to build my vocabulary.
WHST.9-10.2
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
WHST.9-10.4
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
WHST.9-10.5
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
WHST.9-10.7
  • EL has not created long-term learning targets for WHST standards.
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