Physical chemistry teaching impacts

Instead of a theory to elucidate the important unsolved problems of chemistry, theoretical chemistry has become synonymous with what is also known as Quantum Chemistry. This discipline has patently failed to have any impact on the progress of mainstream chemistry. A new edition of the world s leading Physical Chemistry textbook [4] was published in the year that the Nobel prize was awarded to two quantum chemists, without mentioning either the subject of their work, nor the names of the laureates. Nevertheless, the teaching of chemistry, especially at the introductory level, continues in terms of handwaiving by reference to the same quantum chemistry, that never penetrates the surface of advanced quantum theory. 

Jennings, K. T., E. K. Epp, and G. C. Weaver (2007) Use of a multimedia DVD for Physical Chemistry Analysis of its effectiveness for teaching content and applications to current research and its impact on student views of physical chemistry. Chemistry Education Research and Practice 8(3), 308-326. 

The community of Green Chemistry educators has an interest in engaging students at an early age to teach them about green chemistry. The goal is to inspire the next generation of scientists and also to teach students about chemistry and how it relates to their day-to-day lives. Not every child will be inspired to study the physical sciences, but all will grow up to be consumers and voters and can have an impact on green chemistry implementation. 

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