Some interdisciplinary chemistry questions?

[Dunhausen]

I am devising some extra credit projects and/or problems for my students.

Very few (in fact, only one) are actually studying chemistry. The rest are mostly engineers. I was hoping to come up with some things which would let them come at chemistry from the perspective of their other interests. As is, most of them do not see it as having much relevance to them.

I feel the problems should be somewhat involved (perhaps requiring additional resources) without being innately impossible, but most importantly, interesting! The vast majority of my students are freshmen.

Anyway, if anyone would like to offer up any suggestions, I would be much obliged. :)

Majors by frequency: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, Technical Communication

 

[Kmenex]

Show them a picture of laminated alloy from modumetal, explain to them what the picture is but don't tell them who made it or how. Describe the process and then see if they can figure out how it was made.

If you want more info just ask.