Industry-Linked Context-Based Chemistry Practicals

There is considerable evidence that the use of tangible contexts enriches the learning experience for students. In view of this the author has developed two ‘industry-linked context-based chemistry practicals’ that illustrate the importance of core chemistry topics within commercial/industrial contexts. A common feature of the practicals is that the students work with actual commercial samples and compare their data with that published by the two companies. The principal features of the two practicals are described and contrasted with conventional practicals. Finally the results of a student evaluation of the practicals are reported.