Bringing in the Bard: Shakespearean Plays as Context for Instrumental Analysis Projects

摘要

Scenes from the works of William Shakespeare were incorporated into individual and group projects for an upper-level chemistry class, instrumental analysis. Students read excerpts from different plays and then viewed a corresponding video clip from a stage or movie production. Guided-research assignments were developed based on these scenes. These projects required students to make significant use of primary scientific literature to address open-ended research questions inspired by Shakespearean plays. Projects were scaffolded with in-class activities to guide and encourage student progress. Class performance, student perceptions, and learning outcomes will be discussed, and a student perspective is included. Recommendations for the incorporation of Shakespeare into other chemistry courses are provided.