Molecular vibrations, thermal radiation, dipole moments, energy transfers, gas solubility in liquids, aqueous equilibria, thermal expansion of liquids are just a few of the many chemistry and physics concepts central to global warming.

What’s lacking today is a willingness to develop and implement creative approaches to teaching fundamental chemistry and physics principles through examination of modern and relevant topics.

Capturing the interest, imagination, and passion of impressionable college freshman through direct examination of physical principles governing modern topics such as how drugs work, environment challenges being faced, and energy needs that must be met would go a long way to promoting the importance of chemistry to our nation’s young citizens.

At AAAS 2006 Ursula Goodenough, Professor of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, gave a plenary lecture entitled, “The History of Nature: Why Aren’t We Teaching It in Our Schools?” She suggested that the offering courses that covered the entire history of nature at all levels would challenge teachers to cover STEM fields within an overarching context. She was co-teaching a an experimental course like this at the time with good results.