Chemists in a Social and Historical Context

Chemistry has a human face and the aim of this resource is to present chemists as real people and not stereotypical mad scientists whose lives are completely dominated by science. It includes examples of chemists through the ages and reflects on the difficulties they overcame. We live in a world where scientists are accepted regardless of race or gender - however some examples show that this has not always been the case. The resource focuses on strategies for teaching about people in chemistry and is an introduction to some chemists who played a role in the development of major ideas in the subject. It includes a range of activities designed to look at different aspects of teaching about people in chemistry and the chemical sciences to 11-19 year old students. It contains teachers’ notes, background information, photocopiable student worksheets and answers.