GROUP RESEARCH PROJECT & PRESENTATION

CHEMISTRY IN INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY

How do materials and chemicals benefit society? The purpose of this project is for you to apply your knowledge of chemistry
onto real life applications and put your research, organizational, and presentation skills to the test.
1. Iron, steel, and aluminum
 Main sources
 How are they processed?
 Their alloys and examples
 Their properties and their uses
 Discuss environmental impact of Fe and Al production

2. The oil industry

 Main sources
 How is oil processed?
 Properties and uses
 Discuss environmental impact

This research project gives students the opportunity to gain greater insight into the importance of the natural sciences
(specifically Chemistry) in the improvement and development of the world and also the negative impact of industrial
processes and how humans treat with such problems.
Over the course of Form 4 and 5, the students were taught numerous chemical principles which they can now easily
identify in metal extractions and the oil industry. They have researched and formally presented on these two industries
which utilize a range of processes studied at the CSEC level including electrolysis and fractional distillation.
The students were instructed to incorporate ICT into their presentation. A multitude of ICT tools are available and has
become a cornerstone in 21st century teaching and learning. The presentations proved to be a success with improved
engagement and participation of audience. Short videos, diagrams, flow-charts and concept maps were used to explain
chemical processes involved. The teacher and students alike were impressed as the content was relevant and simplified.
Some groups entertained a question and answer segment at the end of the presentation which allowed members of the
audience to have any issues clarified. The visual aspect of delivering such content makes the learning much more
effective than a project entirely written or typed and printed. Moreover, it is scientifically proven that the use of such
ICT tools such as Powerpoint, Prezi or MS Sway improves engagement, knowledge retention, creativity,
communication, critical thinking and collaboration.
The major challenges reported by students were low speed internet at school, lack of ICT training skills which made
the preparation very time consuming and a strain on individuals who were more competent at using the computer and
the lack of expert technical staff. These concerns will be addressed at departmental and staff meetings. I will suggest
ICT training be introduced at the Form One level as it is a critical skill needed in the age of information.

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